Sport
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The latest reporting from sport, business and culture.
Vietnam lost 1–3 to South Korea in their final Group D match at the Asian Games and finished second. They face China in the quarter-finals on September 20; a defeat would send Vietnam into the fifth-to-eighth classification matches.
Cristiano Ronaldo was called up for Portugal’s first four 2026–27 Nations League matches. At 41, he is entering his 24th season with the national team in a 25-player squad; Portugal face Wales on September 24.
Park Hang-seo apologised on September 18 over remarks about Thai football after Kanchanaburi drew 1–1 with Nakhon Pathom in Thai League 2. He said he had not intended to disparage Thailand’s football and pledged greater care in future remarks.
Vietnam’s Finance Ministry is preparing a non-deal roadshow (NDR) with the State Bank to brief investors on the economy, fiscal and monetary policy, and public debt. Any future international bond issue would still require a government decision on its size, maturity and timing.
VFF announced a 23-player Vietnam squad for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, with first call-ups for Nguyễn Adou Leygley Minh and Williams Minh Hoàng. Vietnam are in Division 1 Group B with Thailand, the Philippines and Pakistan.
The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark rate from 1% to 1.25% on September 18, the highest level in 31 years. Two policymakers opposed the move; one said the economy was too weak for a hike as August core inflation stood at 1.7%.
The VnExpress–Ziaja Youth Basketball Cup announced 36 Hanoi teams for its third season: 24 boys’ and 12 girls’ teams. The draw, opening and final are scheduled for October 2, 11 and November 29, with a VYB 3x3 Festival on November 20–22.
Vietnam U23 beat the Philippines 2–0 in their second Group C match at the Asian Games, with goals from Thanh Nhàn and Lê Phát. Four points from two games improve their quarter-final hopes; Vietnam face Uzbekistan in the final group match.
Vietnam iContent 2026’s “Sống rực rỡ” digital-content contest accepts submissions from 2 p.m. September 18 to noon October 31 in video, photography and writing categories. Organisers will select 45 finalists for the November 20–December 4 final round; awards are scheduled for December 11.
