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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker 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 country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked 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.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation 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 European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.