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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. England's 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 Morocco is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe'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.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French 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 winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are set for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.