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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel very real. While 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 their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a opening round that includes a showdown between football's top strikers and a knockout stage promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people logged on keen to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the youngster's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible showdown. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.