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The upcoming World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although fans can finally start planning their schedules, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Long before the Village People performed with their classic hit, observers were analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best strikers and a playoff bracket promising a truly mouthwatering encounter between legends of the game.

The Ceremony That Felt Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in eager to find out their national side's group stage fixtures. But, even though fans are used to such ceremonies taking some time, this one set a new standard.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from dignitaries and football's governing body, plus countless montages and interviews, it finally seemed to begin nearly an hour later. Or so we thought.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show first kicked off. The draw itself then required almost an hour to complete.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's 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 somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. England's match with Croatia is the most significant theoretically. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the second most intriguing. The Netherlands have the toughest group by official standings, while Germany—drawn against Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the weakest. But, interesting matches remain.

Two Prolific Scorers Go Head-to-Head

Phenomenal striker Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to rival the 25-year-old's incredible goalscoring feats—except for one player is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been paired with the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the initial occasion in on the global stage. Anticipate net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

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

Another eye-catching fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, 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 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 time. However, awaiting them are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the smallest nation to ever feature in a World Cup, will take on multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions 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.

What About the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the heavyweights to collide. The last 16 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal winning their groups and navigating the early knockout rounds.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. And, if the Scots progress, Samurai Blue or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.