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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

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. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

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 really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.