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The upcoming global tournament is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

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 initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, 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 taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, 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 the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.