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Next summer's global tournament is at last starting to feel tangible. Although supporters are now able to begin planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, even though fans are accustomed to these draws being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and performances, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming tournament will be the largest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this expansion has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture with two teams inside the world's elite.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, interesting matches remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward netted 16 goals in eight matches to drag his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the 25-year-old's incredible scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. 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 international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, ending 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French once more face Senegal, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to reach the tournament for the first occasion. However, standing in their way are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and former champions La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face title-holders La Albiceleste 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?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between past winners the Germans and the French.

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.