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The upcoming global tournament is finally starting to feel tangible. While fans can finally start marking their calendars, Friday's ceremony in the US capital was not short of significant headlines.

Well before the iconic group took to the stage with YMCA, observers were analyzing a opening round featuring a showdown between two of the world's best forwards and a playoff bracket that could produce a truly mouthwatering encounter between two greats of the game.

The Draw That Seemed Like It May Never End

Many people tuned in keen to discover their national side's initial opponents. However, despite the fact fans are used to such ceremonies being lengthy, this one set a new standard.

After acts by Robbie Williams and a former Pussycat Doll, addresses from political leaders and football's governing body, plus countless video packages and discussions, it eventually appeared to begin almost 60 minutes later. That was an illusion.

This led to more interviews 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 required almost an hour to finish.

On to the Actual Football...

Next summer's tournament will be the biggest in the competition's history, with a record 48 teams and a new round of 32. Yet, this increase in size has maybe resulted in the group stage being somewhat weakened in quality.

There are hardly any matches between the major nations. The Three Lions' match with Croatia is the most significant on paper. That is the sole opening-round game featuring two teams ranked in the top 10.

Brazil versus The Atlas Lions is the next best. The Dutch have the most difficult draw by official standings, while Germany—drawn against less-fancied opponents—have the weakest. But, compelling contests remain.

A Pair of Prolific Scorers Face Off

Generational goalgetter Norway's star will make his debut in his first major tournament next summer. The Manchester City forward netted 16 goals in qualifying matches to single-handedly carry his nation to their first appearance since 1998.

Few have managed to rival the 25-year-old's ridiculous scoring records—but someone who has is set to face him in the last match of group games. Along with The Lions of Teranga, Norway have been drawn against the French superstar's France.

This means the top marksmen in the English top flight and Spain's division will clash for the first time in international football. Expect net-bulgers. Plenty of scoring.

A Familiar Foe

Mexico will face Bafana Bafana in the opening match—repeating history. The sides also kicked off the 2010 edition. That match, which finished 1-1, is best remembered for a thunderous second-half strike.

Another notable fixture will see the French again come up against Senegal, who shocked the reigning title-holders back in the 2002 World Cup. On that first day, a future Fulham midfielder upstaged France's galaxy of stars to score the decisive goal.

Fantasy Fixtures for the First-Timers

Four new nations have taken advantage of the expanded World Cup to qualify for the finals for the first occasion. But, awaiting them are past winners, European champions and Copa America winners.

In one group, Curacao, the smallest nation to ever play at a World Cup, will meet multiple winners Germany. Cape Verde, with a resident count of around half a million, will face European champions and 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

The Middle Eastern side, after decades of trying, meets title-holders La Albiceleste and the legendary forward. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan will be led by a former champion against the Portuguese icon's Selecao das Quinas.

And Then Comes the Playoff Rounds?

Assuming 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 really tasty, most notably with a possible matchup between former champions Germany and the French.

On the other side of the bracket, eyes will be fixed on the quarter-final stage, where old rivals the Argentine and the Portuguese are lined up for a possible showdown. It would depend on both Messi's team and Portugal finishing top and navigating the early knockout rounds.

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