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

Long before the iconic group took to the stage with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the sport.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers logged on keen to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. However, even though supporters are used to these draws taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After acts by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and interviews, it eventually appeared to get going nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

This led to more interviews and performances, before the actual draw eventually began around 90 minutes after the glitzy event first kicked off. The selection then required almost an hour to finish.

Moving On to the Football Itself...

The upcoming World Cup will be the largest in the competition's history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a new round of 32. However, 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. England's game against Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the only group fixture featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Face Off

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to drag his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Hardly any have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the last match of the group stage. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

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

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face South Africa in the first game—and not for the first time. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a rasping second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see the French again come up against the Senegalese, who stunned the then-world champions back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a then-unknown player outshone France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, continental title-holders and South American champions.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, 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 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

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

On the opposite half of the draw, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where old rivals Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. Should Scotland progress, Japan or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup playoff match.