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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's draw in the US capital was full of major talking points.

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

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents 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 second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

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 first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.