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Next summer's global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in Washington DC was full of major talking points.

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

The Ceremony That Seemed Like It May Never End

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to find out their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are accustomed to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

After performances by a pop star and a former Pussycat Doll, speeches from dignitaries and Fifa officials, plus numerous montages and discussions, it finally seemed to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and performances, before the actual draw eventually began nearly an hour and a half after the star-studded show initially started. The draw itself then took 59 minutes to finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the largest in history, with a unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the initial phase being slightly diluted in quality.

There are hardly any fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's match with Croatia is the biggest on paper. That is the sole opening-round game with two teams inside the world's elite.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the toughest group by Fifa world rankings, while Die Mannschaft—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the easiest on paper. But, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Manchester City forward scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have been able to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous goalscoring feats—except for one player is set to face him in the final round of group games. Together with Senegal, 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 first time in international football. Anticipate goals. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

El Tri will face Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French once more face Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders 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.

Fantasy Fixtures for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have taken advantage of the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first time. But, standing in their way are former world champions, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. The island nation, with a population of around 600,000, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

The Middle Eastern side, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan 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 big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a potential tie between past winners Germany and France.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the last eight, where old rivals Messi and the Portuguese are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Ronaldo's side finishing top and squeezing through the initial playoffs.

For England, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland are able to get through, Samurai Blue or the Dutch could be waiting in what would be their first ever World Cup knockout fixture.