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The upcoming World Cup is finally starting to feel tangible. Although fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in Washington DC was not short of significant headlines.

Long before the iconic group performed with their classic hit, we were left picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best strikers and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to find out their team's group stage opponents. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws being lengthy, this was extraordinary.

Following performances by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous video packages and interviews, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to complete.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. Yet, this expansion has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against their 2018 semi-final opponents is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

Two Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his major international competition next summer. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to drag his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of the group stage. Together with Senegal, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana 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 thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that opening night, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, awaiting them are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

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 half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites progress from their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to meet. The round of 32 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 draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and the Portuguese are set for a possible clash. It would depend on both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable last-32 tie. Should the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.