Breaking football news midday July 8: Vietnam squad faces a big challenge.

Vietnam's national squad undergoes a key trial leading up to the 2026 ASEAN Championship, plus significant events from the 2026 World Cup and European transfer market.

Vietnam national team is prepared for their debut game.

The Vietnamese team will kick off their title defense campaign for the 2026 ASEAN Championship by a match against Timor Leste at Chonburi Stadium in Thailand on July 24. Since Timor Leste's national stadium fails to meet organization standards, the team must once again use a neutral venue for their home matches, as they have done in previous editions.

In the meantime, Kim Sang-sik's squad is in the last stage of training in South Korea. Following their win against Siheung FC, the Vietnamese team will take on Yongin FC and then Gangwon FC, then go back home for a friendly match against Myanmar on July 18, completing their lineup and strategy before traveling to Thailand to retain their Southeast Asian title.

A crucial test for the Vietnamese national team.

Following a 6-0 win against Siheung FC, The Vietnamese team will take on a tougher challenge as they encounter Yongin FC, a K.League 2 side, in a friendly on the afternoon of July 8. This match is considered a key assessment for Kim Sang-sik to gauge each player's performance and continue testing formations ahead of the final rehearsal versus Gangwon FC. Several key figures like Dang Van Lam, Do Duy Manh, Nguyen Thanh Chung, and Nguyen Hoang Duc may rejoin the starting lineup, while the forward line featuring Nguyen Xuan Son, Nguyen Dinh Bac, and Do Hoang Hen is expected to shine again. Their showing against Yongin FC will assist the coaching staff in refining the optimal squad for the defense of the ASEAN Championship 2026 title.

Egypt files complaint with FIFA following defeat to Argentina.

Following a 2-3 defeat against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Round of 16, The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) submitted a protest to FIFA, calling for an inquiry into the officiating crew overseen by Francois Letexier. The EFA claims that several disputed calls, such as a disallowed goal and a denied penalty, directly influenced the outcome. Chairman Hani Abu Rida further requested FIFA to consider disqualifying the entire referee team from the rest of the competition if any wrongdoing is confirmed.

Although upset with the refereeing, the EFA praised the players' dedication and stated that the team had given their utmost against the reigning world champions Argentina.

Messi included in the World Cup 2026 Round of 16 standout lineup.

The 2026 World Cup Round of 16 featured numerous outstanding displays, including Charles De Ketelaere leading FotMob's Team of the Week after earning a rating of 9.4 following a double and an assist that propelled Belgium to a big win over the USA. Jude Bellingham (9.2), Azzedine Ounahi (8.9), Erling Haaland (8.8), and Lionel Messi (8.7) also made the cut due to their crucial contributions. Remarkably, even after missing a penalty against Egypt, Messi still managed a goal and an assist, playing a major role in Argentina's 3-2 comeback victory to advance to the quarterfinals. On the defensive end, Unai Simon, Cristian Romero, Dayot Upamecano, and the pair Hakimi-Mazraoui were recognized for their steady performances.

Transfer updates: Arsenal, Manchester United, and Juventus are all active.

The transfer market continues to be bustling with significant moves. Arsenal have reportedly reached an agreement to acquire goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a free transfer following the end of his contract at Leeds United.

At the same time, Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of 18-year-old prospect Alexis Vossah from Toulouse, competing with Chelsea for his signature. In Italy, Juventus have set their sights on defender John Stones and may secure him on a free transfer if they expedite talks.

Elsewhere, Fenerbahce have allegedly struck a deal with Aston Villa for forward Ollie Watkins. The English striker is set to pen a three-year deal with the Turkish side pending the completion of final formalities.