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The upcoming global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters can finally start marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between football's top forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the sport.

The Draw That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on keen to discover their team's initial opponents. But, even though supporters are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. Or so we thought.

This led to further commentary and entertainment, 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 finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of the group stage. Along with Senegal, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

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

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping second-half strike.

Another notable group game will see France once more face Senegal, who stunned 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 winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, 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 multiple winners Die Mannschaft. The island nation, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions La Albiceleste and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions the Germans and France.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the last eight, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.