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Next summer's global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

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

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If 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 really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.