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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—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 goal.

Another notable group game will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If 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 past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.