Hot football news midday 9/7: Vietnam U23 may face World Cup stars

Hong Linh Ha Tinh gives trial opportunities to 3 overseas Vietnamese players ahead of V-League 2026/27, while South Korea U23 brings 4 World Cup players to ASIAD 2026, escalating tensions between Belgium national team and FIFA, Ruben Amorim and the European transfer market.

3 overseas Vietnamese players trial at Hong Linh Ha Tinh

Hong Linh Ha Tinh is actively preparing for V-League 2026/27 by offering opportunities for three overseas Vietnamese players to trial simultaneously , namely Hong Lac Luong Thanh, Ian Mai, and Kalvin Luong. These are all young talents developed in advanced football nations such as Germany, the USA, and France.

Luong Thanh (2006) impresses with his versatile defensive abilities, while Ian Mai (2004) possesses speed and a solid physical foundation to take on multiple roles on the flanks. Up front, Kalvin Luong (2002) is highly rated for his finishing, aerial ability, and flexible attacking play. This move shows the mountain-based team is striving to strengthen squad depth, providing more options for coach Phan Nhu Thuat ahead of the new season.

South Korea unleashes World Cup stars to hunt ASIAD gold

Ahead of ASIAD 2026, South Korea U23 has announced a 23-man squad with a firm determination to defend the gold medal. Notably, coach Lee Min-sung's lineup includes four players who participated in the 2026 World Cup: Yang Hyun-jun, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Gi-hyuk, and Bae Jun-ho. Additionally, the Asian Tigers also boast nine players currently playing in Europe, such as Kim Ji-soo, Yang Min-hyeok, and Park Seung-soo, forming a squad widely considered one of the strongest in the tournament.

Aiming to win the ASIAD gold for the fourth consecutive time and the seventh title in history, South Korea remains the top contender. The draw for the ASIAD 2026 football event will take place on July 23.

Belgium continues to confront FIFA

Despite defeating hosts USA 4-1 to secure a quarterfinal spot in the 2026 World Cup, the Belgian team has not ended its tensions with FIFA. Following the controversy over striker Folarin Balogun having his suspension postponed to face Belgium, the Royal Belgian Football Association (RBFA) has further objected, claiming that the training pitch arranged by FIFA at Loyola Marymount University does not meet standards. Coach Rudi Garcia's team has requested a move to the LA Galaxy training center and is awaiting FIFA's response.

As they prepare to face Spain in the quarterfinals, the Red Devils not only face professional challenges but also continue their tense confrontation with FIFA, making the 2026 World Cup even more heated due to off-field controversies.

Amorim regrets his time at Man Utd

During the press conference marking his debut as AC Milan head coach, Ruben Amorim openly reflected on his unsuccessful period at Manchester United. The Portuguese tactician admitted to making many mistakes and regretted not having the chance to say goodbye to Man Utd fans after being sacked.

Amorim led Man Utd for 63 matches, securing 25 victories and holding the lowest average points rate among the club's managers in the Premier League era. Nevertheless, he affirmed that his experiences at Old Trafford were valuable lessons and expressed determination to rebuild his career at AC Milan, where he signed a contract running until 2028.

Transfer news

Manchester United has become the focal point of the transfer market, reportedly reaching an agreement to sign midfielder Andrey Santos from Chelsea for a fee of £48 million plus £2 million in add-ons. Meanwhile, the red half of Manchester also received disappointing news as Aurelien Tchouameni agreed to extend his contract with Real Madrid until 2031, ending hopes of bringing the French international to Old Trafford.

In other developments, Arsenal is ready to accelerate their pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes after the Brazilian midfielder is reportedly seeking to leave Newcastle, while Tottenham firmly rejected Juventus' loan offer for goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, only accepting a permanent transfer if a suitable price is offered.