Cape Verde's shocking 0-0 draw against former world champion Spain—the biggest upset of the opening round—has thrown Group B into complete uncertainty. According to Bùi Thị Như, a former centre-back for Vietnam's women's team and Phong Phú Hà Nam FC, the expanded 48-team format for the 2026 World Cup is the perfect launchpad for modern fairy tales.

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Berlin, striker Deniz Undav came off the bench and netted a double, helping Germany come from behind to beat Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 in Group E of the World Cup, which took place in the early hours of June 21 German time.

The Vietnam national team has officially launched its campaign to defend the regional title by scheduling a training trip to South Korea from July 2 to July 14. This crucial preparation phase is for the 2026 ASEAN Cup, where coach Kim Sang-sik and his squad aim to maintain their top position in Southeast Asia.

Hot Vietnamese football news today, June 21: Xuân Son's special gesture; HCMC 1 wins season opener in Women's National League

The 2025/26 season concluded with a remarkable image in Vietnamese football, as the two biggest club-level titles both went to teams wearing the police uniform.

The first round of the 2026 World Cup group stage showcased a contrasting picture among the title contenders. While France, England, Germany, and Argentina had smooth starts, the big names Spain, Portugal, and Belgium were held to draws by Cape Verde, DR Congo, and Egypt respectively.

In the second round of World Cup Group E, which concluded on June 21 Beijing time, the German men's national team came from behind to defeat African powerhouse Ivory Coast 2-1, securing advancement to the knockout stage with one group match remaining. However, while Germany's return to the World Cup knockout rounds after 12 years is cause for celebration, the injury to 26-year-old defender Nico Schlotterbeck has dampened the team's joy.

The 34-year-old Casemiro has officially confirmed his next destination: he will play for Inter Miami, the reigning MLS champions, next season. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed: "Inter Miami complete signing of new midfielder Casemiro, here we go! All parties have reached a verbal agreement, and all formal steps have been resolved. Only the signing and official announcement remain."

In the second round of Group E at the World Cup, which concluded on June 21 Beijing time, the German men's national team came from behind to defeat African powerhouse Ivory Coast 2-1, securing their spot in the knockout stage one match early. The player who saved Germany in this game was not a big name like Wirtz, Musiala, or Havertz, but rather 29-year-old substitute wonder Undav. Coming on in the 60th minute, he first scored from close range after receiving an assist from Amiri eight minutes later.

In the second round of Group E at the World Cup, which concluded on June 21 Beijing time, the German men's national team overturned a deficit to beat the strong African side Ivory Coast 2-1, securing knockout-stage qualification one match early. In this match, it was not stars like Wirtz, Musiala, or Havertz who rescued Germany, but the 29-year-old substitute Undav. As Undav shines on the World Cup stage, his inspiring backstory deserves to be known by fans.