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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

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 almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup 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 initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. 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 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. 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?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait 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 the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.