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Next summer's World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest 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 initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping 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 opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, 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 Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable 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 playoff match.