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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their team's initial opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

Following performances by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, interesting matches still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Erling Haaland will make his debut in his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of group games. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

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

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would require both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.