Hot football midday news 19/6: Vietnam national team sets record with naturalized players

Vietnam's national team boasts a record number of naturalized players; Mexico qualifies early for the World Cup knockout rounds; a duck becomes a phenomenon in Mexico; and coach Roberto Martinez may rejoin Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr.

Vietnam team draws attention with record naturalized lineup

Ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Championship, the Vietnam national team becomes the focal point of South Korean media. as coach Kim Sang-sik selected 28 players, including as many as 5 naturalized players: Nguyen Xuan Son, Do Hoang Hen, Le Giang Patrik, Nguyen Tai Loc, and Ngo Dang Khoa — the highest number ever.

Goalkeeper Patrik and young midfielder Ngo Dang Khoa are considered notable faces, alongside the addition of striker Nguyen Tai Loc. However, the increase in naturalized players also sparks debate about the team's identity.

The Vietnam team will train in South Korea from July before finalizing the squad for the tournament, aiming to defend their regional title.

Quang Hai accomplished something that Ronaldo "couldn't do."

The performance of goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau at the 2026 World Cup with DR Congo unexpectedly brings back a memorable memory of Nguyen Quang Hai for Vietnamese fans. The midfielder born in 1997 once scored against this very goalkeeper in Pau FC's 2-2 draw with Rodez AF in Ligue 2 on October 9, 2022, which was also his only goal in France.

Interestingly, Mpasi-Nzau is now the starting goalkeeper at the 2026 World Cup and previously helped DR Congo hold Portugal to a draw. From Ligue 2 to the biggest stage in the world, the story of these two players creates a special connection, highlighting Quang Hai's rare mark in Europe.

Mexico secures an early spot in the 2026 World Cup knockout round.

Mexico became the first team from Group A to qualify for the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup. following a narrow win over South Korea in their second match. The game was tense from the start, with chances for both sides but no goals in the first half.

The turning point came in the 50th minute when goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu made a mistake, allowing Luis Romo to score the only goal of the match. Despite South Korea's efforts to press late in the game with Son Heung-min and new attacking options, they could not find an equalizer.

The victory gave Mexico 6 points after two matches and officially advanced, while South Korea must fight it out in the final round.

Mexico's "special ambassador" at the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup is witnessing a unique phenomenon as a 2-year-old duck named Merlin unexpectedly becomes a "star" capturing Mexico's attention. From a video of it walking with its owner in Mexico City, Merlin quickly went viral on social media and garnered millions of views.

The duck's appeal even reached FIFA, as the organization called Merlin the "Mexico ambassador" at the 2026 World Cup.. The Mexico team also responded by continuously posting images of this icon on their official media.

From an internet phenomenon to a fun cultural symbol, Merlin is creating a unique story on the sidelines of the biggest tournament on earth, alongside the passionate atmosphere on the pitch.

Could Roberto Martinez reunite with Ronaldo at Al Nassr?

Coach Roberto Martinez is likely to leave the Portugal national team after the 2026 World Cup to move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. According to RMC Sport, the club that owns Cristiano Ronaldo has begun preliminary talks with the Spanish tactician, whose contract with the Portuguese Football Federation expires after the World Cup.

Al Nassr highly values Martinez's experience coaching Belgium and Portugal, hoping he can help the club regain its status in the Saudi Pro League. As for Martinez, he is reportedly ready for a new challenge in the Middle East after many years in Europe.

If the deal goes through, he will reunite with Cristiano Ronaldo at club level, creating one of the most notable highlights of Saudi Arabian football after the 2026 World Cup.