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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance 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 final round of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone 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 qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation 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 European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.