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The upcoming global tournament is finally beginning to seem tangible. Although fans are now able to begin marking their calendars, the recent ceremony in the US capital was full of major talking points.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were picking the bones out of a group stage that includes a clash between two of the world's best forwards and a knockout stage that could produce a highly anticipated meeting between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It Would Go On Forever

Many people tuned in eager to discover their national side's initial fixtures. But, despite the fact fans are used to these draws taking some time, this was extraordinary.

Following acts by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, speeches from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless montages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

Cue further commentary and entertainment, before the real selection process finally commenced around 90 minutes after the glitzy event 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 unprecedented number of nations and a first-ever additional knockout round. Yet, this increase in size has perhaps led to the initial phase being somewhat weakened in overall strength.

There are very few matches between the traditional powerhouses. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the biggest theoretically. That is the only group fixture with two teams ranked in the top 10.

The Selecao versus Morocco is the second most intriguing. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Die Mannschaft—grouped with less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. Nevertheless, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Goal Machines Go Head-to-Head

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Premier League striker netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to drag his country to their initial berth since 1998.

Hardly any have been able to come close to the youngster's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is scheduled to come up against him in the final round of group games. Along with Senegal, The Nordic side have been drawn against the French superstar's Les Bleus.

This means the leading scorers in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect goals. Plenty of scoring.

We Meet Again

El Tri will take on South Africa in the first game—repeating history. The two teams also kicked off the 2010 edition. That game, ending 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another eye-catching group game will see France once more face Senegal, who shocked the then-world champions back in 2002. On that opening night, a future Fulham midfielder outshone France's cast of star names to score the winning goal.

Dream Ties for the First-Timers

Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, Jordan and Curacao have benefited from the larger World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, standing in their way are past winners, European champions and South American champions.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet four-time winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around 600,000, will face Euro winners and 2010 World Cup winners La Roja.

Jordan, after 40 years of trying, will face defending champions Argentina and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, The Central Asian team will be guided by a former champion against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.

And Then Comes the Knockout Stage?

If all the favorites make it safely through their groups, fans may not wait long for the big hitters to collide. The round of 32 is where things could get extremely interesting, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the opposite half of the bracket, eyes will be drawn to the quarter-final stage, where historic adversaries the Argentine and Ronaldo are lined up for a potential showdown. It would depend on both Argentina and Portugal finishing top and navigating the initial playoffs.

Regarding the Three Lions, a game against co-hosts Mexico seems the probable first knockout game. Should Scotland are able to get through, Japan or the Netherlands could be waiting in what would be their historic World Cup knockout fixture.