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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown 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 Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

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

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

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

Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About 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 collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.