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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between two of the world's best 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 eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—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 next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar'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 on the global stage. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching 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 decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

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 possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.