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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem tangible. 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 Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between football's top forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring 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 Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.