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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's initial opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are used to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

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

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began 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 Actual Football...

Next summer's 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 perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions 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 weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. 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 La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. The island nation, 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 La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led 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, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. 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 opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, 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 squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.