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The upcoming World Cup is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a clash between football's top strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to find out their team's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward 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 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is set 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 top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are past winners, 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 Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where old rivals 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 navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.