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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

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

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

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

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.