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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem very real. While fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, we were left analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between two greats of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, despite the fact fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

Two Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in 2002. 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 taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

What About the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.