Hot football news afternoon 6/7: Vietnam U23 awaits ASIAD 2026 draw

Vietnam U23 is about to discover their rivals at the 2026 Asian Games, head coach Kim Sang-sik springs a surprise with a fresh offensive element, the 2026 World Cup keeps delivering intense moments, and Manchester United’s ambitious squad strengthening campaign are key talking points on July 6th.

Vietnam U23 waits for the ASIAD 2026 draw

After their remarkable achievement of winning the bronze medal at the 2026 U23 Asian Cup, Vietnam U23 will face their next major challenge at the 2026 Asian Games. The draw ceremony for the men's football tournament, scheduled for July 23, will determine Vietnam U23's opponents in a competition featuring 16 top Asian teams.

With a youth-oriented strategy aimed at the 2027 SEA Games and the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, Vietnam U23 is expected to rely mainly on the U21 generation, but may also include some experienced players. Following an impressive performance at the U23 Asian Cup, especially the form of top scorer Nguyen Dinh Bac, the young Vietnamese team is anticipated to continue making their mark at the ASIAD 2026 tournament.

Coach Kim Sang-sik places trust in a new face

The latest Vietnam national team training squad has drawn attention as coach Kim Sang-sik chose not to call up many experienced strikers, instead giving opportunities to young players, including Pham Gia Hung. The Ninh Binh forward, despite often coming off the bench, has impressed with his movement, pressing, and ability to create breakthroughs.

Coming through the PVF academy, Gia Hung previously played for Cong An Nhan Dan (now Cong An Ha Noi) before shining at Ninh Binh with six goals in the 2024/25 First Division. With his energetic style, the striker born in 2000 is expected to become a super substituteand a tactical weapon for the Vietnam national team in their quest for the 2026 ASEAN Championship.

Henderson suffers a bizarre injury after victory

England secured a place in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals with a dramatic 3-2 win over Mexico, but the joy of the Three Lions was not complete as Jordan Henderson got injured while celebrating with his teammates. The 36-year-old midfielder unexpectedly tripped over an advertising board, fell heavily, and had to be stretchered off with an oxygen tank, causing concern among the England players.

Harry Kane said Henderson had an issue with his arm, while Jude Bellingham confirmed the medical team had the situation under control. The FA has yet to release the injury assessment results, leaving Henderson's availability for the quarter-final uncertain.

World Cup 2026: A day of emotions and controversies

The 2026 World Cup witnessed a highly eventful day with a series of notable developments. The US team became a center of controversy after FIFA allowed Folarin Balogun to return to play, while England edged past Mexico 3-2 in one of the tournament's most thrilling matches to book a quarter-final spot.

In another twist, Brazil disappointed by being eliminated by Norway in the round of 16, with Erling Haaland shining to lead the Scandinavian side to their first World Cup quarter-final. Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Boot heated up as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are all tied at seven goals, promising an exciting competition in the remaining stages of the tournament.

Man United accelerates midfield upgrade

Manchester United is pushing forward with plans to overhaul their midfield during the summer transfer window. Ederson is reportedly set to join Old Trafford after United reached an agreement with Atalanta, while Chelsea's Andrey Santos has also come into focus. Additionally, Michael Carrick's side is monitoring several quality midfielders such as Aurélien Tchouaméni, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, and young talent Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille.

On the other side, young goalkeeper Radek Vitek is likely to leave United for Rangers. With Kobbie Mainoo identified as the core of the new project, the Red Devils aim to build a combative, deep midfield capable of competing in the 2026/27 season.

Overview of Vietnamese and international football on July 6th

Football action was intense across multiple fronts. In the National Women's Football Championship - Thai Son Bac Cup 2026, Hanoi I and Ho Chi Minh City I both secured victories, continuing their exciting title race after four rounds. In the V-League, newcomers Truong Tuoi Dong Nai aim to avoid relegation in their debut season at the top level, while urgently strengthening their squad and facilities.

At the 2026 World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti sparked controversy by revealing that Vinicius Jr. is not among Brazil's priority penalty takers, while England overcame Mexico 3-2 in a contentious match to reach the quarter-finals. In the transfer market, United is interested in Andrey Santos, Newcastle has signed Bazoumana Toure, and Radu Dragusin is set to join Fiorentina on loan.