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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

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

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, 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 meet 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 title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.