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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to discover their national side's group stage opponents. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection 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 new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.