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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any 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 the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time 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, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.