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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes 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 Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The selection then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations 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' match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few 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 group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers 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 South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names 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 tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 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 drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.