On Thursday night, Egypt defeated Dijbouti 6-0 thanks in large part to four goals scored by Mohamed Salah.

After a dominant performance in Cairo, the Pharaohs started qualifying for the 2026 World Cup finals, with Salah bringing his international tally to more beyond 50.

After scoring twice in as many first-half minutes (including a penalty kick), the Reds’ No. 11 went on to complete a hat trick in the 48th minute.

Mostafa Mohamed and Mahmoud Trezeguet scored to end the contest, and he would add another to his tally, making him Egypt’s all-time best scorer in World Cup qualifying with fifteen goals.

Meanwhile, in a thrilling 2-2 tie with Bulgaria, Dominik Szoboszlai assisted on a goal that ultimately qualified Hungary for Euro 2024.

In spite of a red card for either team, the home team rallied to take the lead after Martin Adam scored off a set piece by Szoboszlai.

After another free kick in the seventh minute of extra time led to an own goal by Alex Petkov, the Liverpool midfielder was instrumental in obtaining the point that Hungary needed to qualify for next summer’s competition.

  

Portugal, who have already qualified for Euro 2024, were defeated 2-0 by Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion in a match in which Diogo Jota played a part and assisted on Portugal’s first goal.

In Japan’s 5-0 home victory against Myanmar in the second round of AFC World Cup qualifying earlier, Wataru Endo did not see action as a substitute.

The English men’s Elite League squad, which included Luke Chambers, lost 3-0 to Italy in a friendly match played in Doncaster.

The last match of the three that England U19s played in Marbella was a 6-0 victory over Romania on Wednesday, with Calum Scanlon starting every minute.