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

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia 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 Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of 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 netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

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

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach 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 meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. 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.