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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.