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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. While supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco 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. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe'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 net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

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. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.