Hot football news midday 29/6: South Korea national team investigated after World Cup 2026 failure

From Do Hung Dung joining the AFC/VFF C coaching certificate course, South Korea falling into crisis after World Cup 2026, to Ronaldo attracting attention with his "Gold Scorpion" boots and a series of European transfer bombs, world football continues to witness many hot developments recently.

Do Hung Dung attends the AFC/VFF C coaching certificate course 2026

Immediately after the 2025/26 season ended, the midfielder Hung Dung registered for the AFC/VFF C coaching certificate course 2026 in Da Nang. This is a program co-organized by VFF, part of the roadmap to standardize coach training according to AFC standards, with participation of many former and current national team players such as Huy Hung, Van Thang, or Khac Ngoc.

Notably, the Hanoi player was elected class monitor by the trainees. He said the trainees are still unfamiliar but will study seriously to complete the course lasting until July 10. Participating in the course is seen as an early preparation for life after ending his top-level playing career.

Ambitious newcomer of the 2026/27 First Division

Thai Nguyen is likely to participate in the National First Division season 2026/27, using Thai Nguyen Stadium as their home ground. This is seen as a fresh wind for the tournament as the team not only aims to avoid relegation but also to compete from the first season.

The core of Thai Nguyen is the young force transferred from Hanoi's youth team under coach Pham Minh Duc, who just won the 2026 Second Division. The squad has many players who have worn Vietnam's youth team jerseys like Ba Huan, Hong Phong, and Thien Phu. Additionally, the club is planning to add foreign players and overseas Vietnamese to increase competitiveness. With early preparation and clear direction, Thai Nguyen is expected to become a notable unknown in the new season.

South Korea in crisis after World Cup 2026 shock

The 0-1 defeat to South Africa in the final Group A match caused South Korea to exit early at World Cup 2026, simultaneously triggering a serious crisis within Korean football. Immediately after elimination, coach Hong Myeong-bo announced his resignation, and President Lee Jae-myeong ordered an investigation comprehensive into the causes of the failure.

South Korea only got 3 points after the group stage, while South Africa for the first time in history advanced past the World Cup group stage. Pressure mounted on coach Hong Myeong-bo, especially after the controversial decision not to use captain Son Heung-min from the start against South Africa.

After the match, the 58-year-old strategist officially apologized to fans and confirmed leaving the head coach position. South Korean media reported that the wave of criticism was so intense that his image in the press conference was blurred, reflecting the enormous pressure after this historic failure.

Ronaldo and the "Gold Scorpion" boots cause sensation at World Cup 2026

Ronaldo attracted attention when he took the field in Portugal's match against Colombia with the special edition Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 "Gold Scorpion", designed to honor his record of scoring in 6 World Cups. The boots feature a luxurious gold tone, scorpion motif, and CR7 logo, limited to 2,026 pairs worldwide, quickly becoming a media focus.

However, during the match, Ronaldo had to change his boots after the first half to the familiar pink model. This made fans question the playing feel of the 41-year-old superstar. Nevertheless, he failed to score, and Portugal was held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia, finishing second in the group. The story of the special boots thus became even more notable at World Cup 2026.

Series of European transfer bombs

Mount is facing the possibility of leaving Man Utd to join AC Milan in the summer transfer window. According to Italian media, the English midfielder has been offered to San Siro, amid his uncertain future at Old Trafford due to changes in midfield. If the deal happens, Mount could reunite with coach Ruben Amorim at I Rossoneri.

In other developments, Lewandowski is reported to have reached an agreement to join Chicago Fire in MLS on a free transfer after leaving Barcelona, with a 2-year contract.

Meanwhile, Diomande prioritizes moving to PSG despite interest from Liverpool, while the Anderson deal at Man City could pave the way for Tonali to arrive at Tottenham Hotspur in a turbulent transfer window.