Hot football news midday 22/7: Vietnam national team receives warning from Cambodia

Cambodia bolsters its "Brazilian firepower" before facing Vietnam in the 2026 AFF Cup, Head Coach Kim Sang-sik locks in 25 players, as Messi receives recognition from IFFHS and MU intensifies its hunt for a World Cup 2026 "star".

Cambodia strengthens its attack with a 'Brazilian weapon'

Cambodia has made a significant move ahead of the 2026 AFF Cup by calling up for the first time a Brazilian-born midfielder, Iago Bento Fernandesafter the player completed his naturalization procedures. Coming through renowned Brazilian academies, Bento made an impression with 9 goals and 13 assists for Boeung Ket last season, promising to elevate the attacking strength of the Angkor Warriors. Coach Koji Gyotoku's team is also continuing its naturalization strategy to increase competitiveness in Southeast Asia.

In the same group as Vietnam at the 2026 AFF Cup, Cambodia is expected to become an unpredictable variable hard to anticipate. Bento's arrival makes the clash with Coach Kim Sang-sik's side more anticipated, as the defending champions will face an opponent that has significantly strengthened thanks to Brazilian firepower.

Coach Kim Sang-sik finalizes 25 players

Vietnam will participate in the 2026 AFF Cup with 25 players, one fewer than the tournament's regulation allows, after Coach Kim Sang-sik decided not to call up additional personnel. Previously, the team suffered consecutive losses due to injuries to Ngo Dang Khoa, Le Ngoc Bao, Do Duy Manh, and Khuat Van Khang. To reinforce the defense, young center-back Khong Minh Gia Bao was added as a replacement, but the South Korean coach kept the rest of the squad unchanged. This decision shows that Kim has full confidence in the current lineup, while also opening opportunities for many young faces to prove themselves.

Vietnam will begin its title defense at the 2026 AFF Cup with a match against Timor Leste, before facing Indonesia, Singapore, and Cambodia in turn.

Messi honored by IFFHS

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) has named Lionel Messi as the best player of the 2026 World Cup thanks to his impressive performances for Argentina. The 39-year-old superstar played all 7 matches, totaling 626 minutes, scoring 8 goals and providing 4 assists, directly contributing to 12 of his team's goals. Messi achieved an average rating of 8.33, the highest in the tournament according to IFFHS's evaluation system, based on criteria such as performance, influence, goals, assists, and knockout-stage contributions. This award further confirms the class of the Argentina captain, who continues to maintain top form and the ability to make a difference even in the later stages of his career.

Nico Williams' touching moment

After winning the 2026 World Cup with Spain, Nico Williams created one of the most emotional images of the tournament when he took off his winners' gold medal to place it around his mother Maria's neck. This gesture was a tribute to the woman who, together with her husband, crossed the Sahara Desert from Ghana to Spain in a dangerous migration journey to provide a better future for their children.

Although he did not start in the tournament, Nico still left his mark with a decisive assist that helped Ferran Torres score in the final. The championship medal thus not only recognizes his personal success but also serves as a reward for the silent sacrifices of the entire Williams family.

MU targets World Cup 'hero'

Manchester United is reported to have made initial contact with Orlando Gill, the goalkeeper who made headlines at the 2026 World Cup for his outstanding performances, especially in the penalty shootout against Germany. According to Brazilian media, San Lorenzo is ready to negotiate if they receive a fee of around 10 million Euros, although the goalkeeper's release clause is as high as 20 million Euros. Besides MU's move, the transfer market is also buzzing with Manchester City closing in on wonderkid Ayyoub Bouaddi, Chelsea officially signing Morgan Rogers for a record fee of 117 million Pounds, while Al Hilal reached an agreement to buy Crysencio Summerville and Aston Villa submitted a loan offer for Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea.