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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People 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 Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event 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 the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

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 potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.