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The upcoming World Cup is at last beginning to seem tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a opening round that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a highly anticipated encounter between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Many people logged on eager to discover their team's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the largest 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 group stage being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the major nations. England's match with their 2018 semi-final opponents is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the last match of group games. Together with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and La Liga will clash for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on South Africa in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's cast of star names to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Die Mannschaft. Cape Verde, with a population of around half a million, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo'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 big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are set for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against tournament hosts 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 historic World Cup playoff match.