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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue 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 draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

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 Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders 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.

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. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should Scotland progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.