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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in eager to find out their national side's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming 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 quality.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to come close to the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of the group stage. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the probable first knockout game. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.