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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to discover their national side's group stage fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary and performances, before the real selection process eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Erling Haaland will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against Kylian Mbappe's France.

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

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see France once more face the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in 2002. On that first day, a then-unknown player upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after decades of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the top teams progress from 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 former champions the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could await in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.