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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving 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 first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against 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 The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player 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 France.

This means the leading scorers 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.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if 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.