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Next summer's World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw 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.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

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

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

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

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked 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.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.