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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the game.

The Draw That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

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

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. 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 opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching 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 galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

If all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.