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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned 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 benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.