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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

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

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco 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. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at 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 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through 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 former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.