Internationals | Five-Sarr Senegal, Bergvall makes first start

Pape Matar Sarr's Senegal enjoyed a resounding 5-0 win in South Sudan to put them on the verge of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday afternoon.

After his crucial winner in the comeback 3-2 victory over DR Congo last time out on the international stage, the midfielder was rewarded with a starting place to earn his 34th cap and played the full contest in what was the penultimate qualifier for the current leaders in Group B.

Pape's namesake Ismaila Sarr scored the only goal in the opening 45 minutes at the Jaba Stadium and the visitors pressed home their advantage in the second period as Sadio Mane netted a minute after the restart and Sarr doubled his tally eight minutes later.

Nicolas Jackon converted his spot-kick on the hour mark and Cherif Ndiaye opened his international account to complete the scoreline in the 76th minute with Senegal now one win away from confirming their place at next summer's World Cup finals.

Pape's nation sit two points above group rivals DR Congo and host Mauritania in the concluding qualifier on 14 October (8pm UK).

Elsewhere, Richarlison came off the bench to earn his 53rd cap as Brazil matched that result with a 5-0 away victory over South Korea in an international friendly, with Spurs legend and former team-mate Heung-Min Son breaking his nation's appearance record in the process. More on that below.

First start for Bergvall

In European qualifiers for the World Cup, it was a night of mixed emotions for Lucas Bergvall who made his first-ever start for Sweden but it ended in a 2-0 home defeat to Switzerland in Group B - Granit Xhaka scoring from the penalty spot and Johan Manzambi scoring deep into second-half stoppage-time.

Lucas played 85 minutes on his fifth cap for the Swedes who remain winless at the bottom of the group and host Kosovo on Monday night.

Elsewhere, Jamie Donley was an unused substitute as Northern Ireland produced a stunning 2-0 home win over Slovakia to really spice things up in Group A. A first-half own goal from Patrik Hrosovsky and Trai Hume was on target to ensure the three points which means both nations plus Germany - who Northern Ireland host next on 13 October - are all locked on six points each after three games played.