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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent draw in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, 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 expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders 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. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.