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Next summer's global tournament is at last beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage opponents. However, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to further commentary 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 took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Actual Football...

The upcoming tournament will be the biggest in the competition's 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 slightly diluted in quality.

There are very few matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to come up against him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with Kylian Mbappe's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the Premier League and La Liga will go head-to-head for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

A Familiar Foe

El Tri will take on Bafana Bafana in the opening match—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

Another notable fixture will see France again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

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

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If 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 extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the draw, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a match with co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.