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Next summer's World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

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

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour 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 expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable group game will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, 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 larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament 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 least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.