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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, even though supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with 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. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

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

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.