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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the real selection process eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League 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 youngster's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—and not for the first time. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Playoff Rounds?

If all the favorites 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 possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.