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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw 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 Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

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

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.