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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. While supporters can finally start planning their schedules, the recent draw in the US capital was full of significant headlines.

Long before the Village People took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers logged on eager to find out their team's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact supporters are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and interviews, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

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

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's World Cup will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' game against Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his major international competition in the upcoming finals. The Premier League forward scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the Premier League and La Liga will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate goals. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a rasping goal.

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

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Four new nations have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the tournament for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, continental title-holders and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation 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.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, will face defending champions La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming all the top teams progress from their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 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 last eight, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are set for a potential showdown. It would require both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if the Scots progress, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.