Hot football news midday July 7: VFF opens ticket sales for Vietnam national team friendly match

Viet Cuong gains more confidence after his first goal for Vietnam national team, VFF announces ticket sales plan for friendly with Myanmar, Cristiano Ronaldo draws attention after his final World Cup, US team eliminated by Belgium despite Balogun's special exemption from FIFA, and a series of hot developments in the European transfer market.

Viet Cuong confident after first goal for Vietnam national team

After a 6-0 victory over Siheung FC, the Vietnam national team quickly returned to training in Incheon (South Korea) to prepare for upcoming friendly matches. In the training session on July 6, coach Kim Sang-sik had the team perform recovery exercises combined with high-intensity drills to maintain fitness and ball feel.

Striker Nguyen Tran Viet Cuong expressed his joy at scoring his first goal for the Vietnam national team, even if only in a friendly, and sees it as motivation to continue competing for a starting spot. The 2000-born striker also considers the competition in the attack as a positive factor helping players improve and revealed his desire to play alongside Nguyen Xuan Son. According to the plan, the Vietnam team will face Yongin FC and Gangwon FC in turn before returning home to prepare for the friendly with Myanmar and the ASEAN Championship 2026.

VFF opens ticket sales for Vietnam - Myanmar match

VFF has announced the plan to issue tickets for the friendly match between Vietnam and Myanmar, taking place at 7 PM on July 18 at Thai Nguyen Stadium. Tickets are sold online from 10 AM on July 8 until the end of July 11 (or until sold out) with three face values 100,000, 200,000 and 300,000 VND through the application Techcombank OneU. Buyers need to verify with ID card or passport, and tickets will be delivered by Vietnam Post according to regulations.

VFF also reminds spectators not to bring flares, sharp objects, or prohibited substances into the stadium and calls on fans to cheer in a civilized manner, contributing to a lively atmosphere in the debut of coach Kim Sang-sik's team ahead of the ASEAN Championship 2026.

Ronaldo makes a notable statement

Cristiano Ronaldo officially ends his last World Cup journey after Portugal's 0-1 defeat to Spain in the round of 16. Although confirming this is his final World Cup, the 41-year-old superstar stated that he is not rushing to decide on retirement from the national team. Notably, CR7 believes that the Euro 2016 title is equivalent to a World Cup, as it was the first major trophy in Portuguese football history.

This statement quickly sparked much debate among fans. Additionally, Ronaldo thanked coach Roberto Martinez and said he will take time to reflect before deciding his future with the national team.

US dreams shattered despite Balogun's special exemption

The US team officially stopped in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a heavy 1-4 defeat to Belgium, despite FIFA lifting the suspension for Folarin Balogun at the request of the US President. The controversial decision allowed Balogun to play but could not change the outcome. Charles De Ketelaere shone with a brace, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku added two more goals to send Belgium to the quarterfinals against Spain.

For the US, Malik Tillman scored the only goal, while goalkeeper Matt Freese's mistakes and Christian Pulisic's injury caused the host team to completely collapse. This also marks the first time Canada, Mexico, and the US were all eliminated before the World Cup quarterfinals in 2026.

European transfers

The transfer market continues to be lively with a series of notable deals. Tottenham are reportedly preparing to negotiate with West Ham to sign Crysencio Summerville, a target also pursued by Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have joined the race for Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, competing directly with the Red Devils. In Spain, Bayern Munich are closely monitoring the contract situation of Vinicius Junior as renewal talks with Real Madrid have stalled. Additionally, young talent Ibrahim Mbaye is reportedly looking to leave PSG this summer, attracting interest from Aston Villa and Tottenham, promising an exciting competition in the Premier League.