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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving 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 new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. 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

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

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

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.