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Next summer's World Cup is finally beginning to seem very real. Although supporters are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the Village People performed with their classic hit, we were left analyzing a group stage that includes a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage promising a highly anticipated meeting between legends of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Numerous viewers tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial fixtures. However, even though fans are accustomed to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

Following acts by a pop star and Nicole Scherzinger, addresses from political leaders and Fifa officials, plus countless montages and discussions, it finally seemed to get going almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue more interviews and entertainment, before the actual draw 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 finish.

On to the Football Itself...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in history, with a record 48 teams and a first-ever additional knockout round. However, this increase in size has perhaps led to the group stage being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few fixtures between the traditional powerhouses. England's 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 most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—grouped with Ecuador, Ivory Coast and Curacao—have the easiest on paper. Nevertheless, compelling contests still await.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will get a crack at his first major tournament in the upcoming finals. The Premier League striker scored 16 times in eight matches to single-handedly carry his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to face him in the final round of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, The Nordic side have been paired with the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will go head-to-head for the first time in on the global stage. Expect net-bulgers. Lots of goals.

We Meet Again

Mexico will take on Bafana Bafana in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also opened the tournament in South Africa. That match, which finished 1-1, is most famous for a thunderous goal.

Another notable 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 future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the Debutants

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the expanded World Cup to reach the finals for the first time. However, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, the tiny Caribbean island, the least populous country to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. The island nation, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and former champions Spain.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, meets defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be led by a 2006 World Cup winner against the Portuguese icon's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

Assuming all the favorites make it safely through their groups, we shouldn't have to wait for the big hitters to meet. The round of 32 is where things could get really tasty, most notably with a potential tie between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries Messi and Ronaldo are lined up for a possible clash. It would require both Argentina and Ronaldo's side winning their groups and navigating the initial playoffs.

For England, a match with tournament hosts seems the most likely last-32 tie. And, if Scotland progress, Japan or the Netherlands could await in what would be their historic World Cup playoff match.