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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their team's initial opponents. But, even though fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

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

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.