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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been paired with 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 goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan 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 last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.