England are poised to play an extra World Cup knockout match for the first time after FIFA's expanded format set up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo.
Thomas Tuchel's side topped Group L with a 2-0 victory over Panama on Saturday, a result that would previously have sent the Three Lions straight into the last 16.
But the 2026 World Cup is different.
FIFA's decision to expand the tournament from 32 teams to 48 has created a new knockout round, meaning even group winners must now negotiate an additional fixture before reaching the traditional last-16 stage.
England will therefore face DR Congo in the Round of 32 as their route to the final continues across North America.
The format change was introduced to allow more nations to compete at the World Cup, but it has also changed the rhythm of the tournament.
Instead of eight groups of four and a direct path from the group stage to the last 16, the expanded competition has added another layer of jeopardy.
The top two teams from each group progress, along with the eight best third-placed sides, creating a 32-team knockout bracket.
England are poised to play an extra World Cup knockout match for the first time after FIFA's expanded format set up a Round of 32 clash with DR Congo
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That is why England, despite winning their group, still have another hurdle to clear before they can reach the last 16.
The final group-stage matches delivered the kind of drama FIFA had hoped the new format would create.
Austria and Algeria played out a remarkable 3-3 draw, with both nations scoring in stoppage time as the qualification picture changed dramatically in the closing moments.
Algeria appeared to have done enough when they went ahead in the 93rd minute, a goal that would have taken them through alongside Iran and left Austria heading out.
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Match stats from England's 2-0 win over Panama at the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWSBut Sasa Kalajdzic struck in the 96th minute to equalise, sending both Austria and Algeria into the knockout stages.
England had already secured their own place as group winners after eventually overcoming Panama in New Jersey.
Tuchel's side endured another frustrating first hour, struggling to break down a stubborn defence before Jude Bellingham produced the breakthrough.
The Real Madrid midfielder then turned provider, delivering a superb cross for Harry Kane to head home and become England's all-time leading goalscorer at World Cup finals.
The win was not without concern, however.
Jarell Quansah, who started at right-back in place of the injured Reece James, was forced off in the second half shortly after Bellingham's goal.
Djed Spence replaced him, but Tuchel will now need to assess his defensive options before England face DR Congo.
The England boss was pleased to finish top of the group, but made clear that the tournament now effectively begins again.
England will meet DR Congo on Wednesday night
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"We wanted to win the group," Tuchel said.
"There is no substitute for wins and we have that feeling again. Three days to prepare the match in Atlanta. The tournament starts new again. We had the first chapter in prep camp, then a second chapter in the group and the third chapter is coming."
Tuchel also admitted England's game management could have been better after they went 2-0 ahead.
"We were a bit over-excited and over-enthusiastic to score a third and committed like full-backs and everyone up front," he said.
"We ended up a bit stretched, which was not necessary.
"We opted for a brave approach; the boys want to play this style. It was the moment to do it and impose ourselves and play a high press. The game management when we were 2-0 up could have been better. I'm quite happy with a lot of details I saw, it's good stuff to build on."