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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

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 Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.