Hot football news on the afternoon of July 15: Vietnam national team receives bad news ahead of AFF Cup 2026

Duy Manh will miss the AFF Cup 2026 because of an injury, the VFF has revealed the ticket-selling strategy for Vietnam's home games, and at the same time, Messi, the England squad, and the European transfer market all take center stage.

Duy Manh misses the AFF Cup 2026

Vietnam national team receives unwelcome news just before the AFF Cup 2026 as center-back Do Duy Manh officially withdraws from the squad due to an injury that has not fully healed. After consultations between the medical staff of the Vietnam national team and Hanoi FC, the 29-year-old player has been deemed to require additional treatment time to ensure his long-term fitness.

The absence of the defensive leader is a significant blow to coach Kim Sang Sik in his goal of defending the Southeast Asian championship. However, this also presents an opportunity for other center-backs to prove themselves, as the South Korean manager is forced to quickly find a replacement before the tournament kicks off.

VFF announces ticket sales plan for Vietnam national team matches at the AFF Cup 2026

The VFF has unveiled the ticket sales plan for the two home matches of the Vietnam national team during the group stage of the AFF Cup 2026 at My Dinh Stadium against Singapore (July 31) and Cambodia (August 7). Tickets will be issued online through the Techcombank OneU app in four price categories ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 VND.

Tickets for the match against Singapore go on sale from July 17, while tickets for the Cambodia match are available from July 20. Fans need to use their citizen ID card or passport to purchase tickets and will receive them via Vietnam Post. The VFF also advises spectators not to bring flares or dangerous items into the stadium. With the goal of defending the Southeast Asian title, the Vietnam national team is expected to continue receiving enthusiastic support from the My Dinh stands.

De Paul reveals Messi's special state of mind

Ahead of the World Cup 2026 semi-final against England, midfielder Rodrigo De Paul reveals that Lionel Messi is experiencing one of the happiest periods of his career. According to the Argentine star, the captain of La Albiceleste is not only maintaining impressive form with 8 goals in the tournament and continuously setting historical milestones, but is also truly enjoying every moment on the pitch. De Paul believes that Messi's positive mental state is an encouraging sign ahead of the crucial match, while also stating that Argentina holds the utmost respect for England. The defending champions are just one win away from the final and are determined to continue their journey to defend the title.

England heavily reliant on Kane and Bellingham

England is heading into the World Cup 2026 semi-final with an attack that is almost entirely dependent on Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham. This duo has scored 12 out of 13 goals for the Three Lions in the tournament, including a streak of 9 consecutive goals, accounting for 92.3% of the total goals. Although the level of reliance is very high, World Cup history shows that many teams have still succeeded thanks to the brilliance of their stars.

However, against Argentina, coach Thomas Tuchel's squad will need additional support options if Kane and Bellingham are neutralized. The form of these two key players is seen as the decisive factor in England's chances of reaching the final.

Transfer news on July 15

Manchester United has not yet closed its shopping plans, as they continue to target adding a midfielder, a left winger, and a striker following the deals for Andrey Santos, Karl Darlow, and Youri Tielemans.

Meanwhile, Barcelona still holds out hope of signing Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid will only consider negotiations if a replacement is found. Chelsea has also proposed including Trevoh Chalobah in a deal to inquire about center-back Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace.

In other developments, Tottenham has confirmed the sale of young talent Luka Vuskovic to Brighton on a five-year contract, while Inter Milan continues to face rejection from Liverpool for their offer worth 32 million Euros for midfielder Curtis Jones.

Highlight football news

The VFF will directly sell tickets priced at 100,000 VND for the friendly match between Vietnam and Myanmar from July 16 to 18, the final rehearsal for coach Kim Sang-sik's team before the AFF Cup 2026. Meanwhile, Laos coach Vladica Grujic sends his thanks to "Bau Duc" and HAGL after a two-week training camp in Pleiku.

At the 2026 World Cup, Spain reaches the final after defeating France 2-0, gaining a significant advantage in rest time over their remaining opponent. Mbappe sparks controversy with a push on goalkeeper Unai Simon, ending a forgettable semi-final for Les Bleus.

In England, Manchester United is quietly monitoring Alex Scott and Carlos Baleba as they continue to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.