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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to discover their team's group stage opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

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

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.