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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash 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 logged on eager to find out their team's initial opponents. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to finish.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set to come up against him in the final round of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

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

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. Should the Scots are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.