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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.