Hot football news afternoon 20/7: V-League set to welcome Vietnamese-origin talent who once played for Belgium?

Lenn-Minh Tran sends strong signals about coming back to V-League, while Vietnam women's team braces for tough tests at ASIAD 2026. Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup continues to generate buzz with Spain, Enzo Fernandez, and several eye-catching developments in European transfers.

Lenn-Minh Tran edges closer to V-League

The overseas Vietnamese defender, Lenn-Minh Tran has issued a clear indication of his potential return to Vietnam by posting a farewell message to MVV Maastricht on social media. This move comes amid rumors that the player aged 19 is in negotiations with a V-League club, and even fans of the Dutch team have wished him success upon returning to his homeland. Although his new destination has not been announced, the likelihood of Lenn-Minh leaving the Netherlands is becoming increasingly evident.

Last season, the defender born in 2007 played 32 matches in the Dutch second division and still has a contract with MVV until 2028. If he joins the V-League, this would not only be a noteworthy deal but could also open the door for Lenn-Minh to aim for a spot in Vietnam's national teams in the future.

Vietnam women's national team "braving the wind and waves"

The Vietnam women's national team is predicted to face a turbulent journey at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya ASIAD as they are placed in Pot 3 before the draw ceremony. This result means that coach Hoang Van Phuc's squad will almost certainly encounter at least one major powerhouse such as Japan, South Korea, or China right from the group stage. The risk of being placed in a group of death becomes even more real if the draw pairs Vietnam with North Korea. However, avoiding Uzbekistan and Bangladesh in the same pot also provides a certain advantage.

With experience gained from the World Cup and continental tournaments, the Vietnam women's team still aims to give their all and is ready to create surprises on Asia's biggest stage.

Spain's national team makes history

Winning the 2026 World Cup officially places Spain among the greatest teams in history, securing their second world title after 16 years. International media unanimously praise La Roja as a symbol of collective football, not relying on any superstar but triumphing through a cohesive system under coach Luis de la Fuente. Hero Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time, continuing the historic moments of Fernando Torres and Iniesta.

In contrast to Spain's joy was Lionel Messi's sorrow as Argentina ended their title defense campaign. Many newspapers note that the 2026 World Cup not only witnessed a change of champion but also ushered in a new era for global football.

Enzo Fernandez changes the dynamics of the 2026 World Cup final

Argentina ended the 2026 World Cup with a 0-1 loss to Spain, where Enzo Fernandez's red card is considered the biggest turning point of the final. The Chelsea midfielder received his second yellow card late in regulation time after fouling Pau Cubarsi, forcing La Albiceleste to play with ten men in extra time. Immediately after leaving the pitch, Enzo raised his hand to apologize to Argentina fans in a moment of regret. Former legend Alan Shearer also criticized the 25-year-old midfielder's handling as unwise.

Playing with a man advantage, Spain capitalized to score the decisive goal through Ferran Torres, thereby winning the championship and shattering Messi and Argentina's dream of defending their title.

European transfer market heats up

The transfer market continues to buzz with a series of notable developments. According to Spanish media, Manchester United are ready to compete with Chelsea to sign Nico Williams, the hero who helped Spain win the 2026 World Cup, by activating his release clause worth €90 million.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have set their sights on John Stones after William Saliba faces a potential long-term absence due to a back injury. At the national team level, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he may soon be announced as the head coach of Germany.

Additionally, Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to negotiate with Inter Milan over the future of defender Djed Spence, who is attracting interest from the Serie A champions.

Football news roundup on 20/7

Vietnam's national team made a big splash after a 4-0 victory over Myanmar, receiving high praise from Indonesian and Thai media, and being regarded as a top contender for the 2026 AFF Cup title. Additionally, the team is expected to be in Pot 1 for the men's football event at the 2026 ASIAD, giving them a significant advantage before the draw.

On the global stage, FIFA announced a record prize fund for the 2026 World Cup of US$871 million, while the moment of Cucurella celebrating right next to Messi after the final went viral on social media.

At the club level, Manchester United are seen as benefiting from a shrewd transfer strategy amid skyrocketing player prices in the Premier League under the management of INEOS.