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

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between football's top strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face 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, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. 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 Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.