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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their team's initial opponents. However, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. 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' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals 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 come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned 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 benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.