Khuat Van Khang aims for SEA Games 33 championship; the first 5 teams to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029.

Khuat Van Khang aims to win the SEA Games 33 championship.

Captain Khuat Van Khang expressed his goal of winning the SEA Games 33 gold medal with the Vietnam U22 team.

“I participated in the previous SEA Games in Cambodia, but the results weren't as good as we hoped. For this SEA Games, we are determined to achieve the best possible results. I think that's pressure, but it's also motivation for us to encourage each other and strive for the best possible outcome,” Van Khang shared with the media during training on the afternoon of December 1st.

Van Khang said that the whole team had prepared thoroughly since they were still in Vietnam. He shared: “Before going to Thailand, we had a week of training in Vung Tau. Coach Kim Sang Sik mainly focused on tactical training to best prepare the team for the tournament.”

"Regarding the Vietnam U22 squad, everyone deserves to participate in the SEA Games, but according to the tournament regulations, only 23 players can be registered. Everyone must try their best to meet the expectations of the head coach and the fans. The Vietnam U22 team needs to improve its cohesion, the final touches, and finishing," Van Khang said.

In the group stage, Vietnam U22's two matches, spaced eight days apart, were rescheduled to be held at the Rajamangala Stadium. Van Khang believes the longer break will give Vietnam U22 an advantage. “I think this schedule allows the players time to rest and prepare better for the next match. Laos U22 played very well and has many players who play for the national team. In football, you can't predict anything, but Vietnam U22 will definitely do their best to win.”

Van Khang is participating in his second SEA Games. The midfielder, born in 2003, along with Thanh Nhan, Quoc Viet, Thai Son, and others, are among the remaining players from the SEA Games two years ago in Cambodia. He has been entrusted with the captain's armband by coach Kim and his teammates. He is also considered one of the biggest hopes for the Vietnam U22 team in the upcoming tournament.

The top 5 teams to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029

Although the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 just ended in July, the first clubs to qualify for the 2029 tournament have officially been revealed.

With their Copa Libertadores 2025 victory, Flamengo became the fifth team to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029. Prior to that, PSG, with their Champions League title in the 2024/25 season, became the first UEFA representative to secure a spot in the Club World Cup 2029.

Cruz Azul (Mexico) also won the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2025 and became the representative of the North, Central America and Caribbean region. In the CAF Champions League 2025, Pyramids (Egypt) were crowned champions, thus securing their place in the biggest club competition on the planet.

With their AFC Champions League 2025 title, Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia) will be the first Asian representative to participate in the 2029 tournament. On November 30th, Flamengo defeated Palmeiras 1-0 in the Copa Libertadores 2025 final at Monumental Stadium, becoming the first South American representative to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup 2029.

The host country for the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup has not yet been determined, but the prestigious tournament for clubs worldwide promises to continue its strong appeal with an expanded format of 32 teams. UEFA (Europe) will have 12 slots, including the four Champions League winners from the 2024/25 to 2027/28 seasons, along with the eight clubs with the highest points total in UEFA's four-year ranking.

CONMEBOL (South America) has 6 slots, including the 4 Copa Libertadores winners and the 2 top-ranked teams from the four-year period. AFC (Asia) has 4 slots for the 4 winners of the AFC Champions League between 2025 and 2028.

CAF (Africa) also has 4 slots for the CAF Champions League winners. Similarly, CONCACAF has 4 slots for the Champions Cup winners.

There is no exception for Vinicius.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti sent a strong message to two of Brazil's biggest stars, stating that he would only select players who are in perfect physical condition for the 2026 World Cup.

Vinicius is not guaranteed a place in the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup.
In an interview on TV Record's Esporte Record program, the Italian coach frankly stated that even Neymar or Vinicius Junior are no exception. “Players have to be 100%. We have many good players. I only choose those who are 100%. Not just Neymar, it could also be Vinicius. If Vinicius is only at 90%, I will call up someone else who is 100%,” Ancelotti emphasized. “The national team has a very high level of competition, especially in the attacking line.”

Neymar has not been included in any squad under Ancelotti and has missed eight matches. The Santos star has also not played for Brazil since suffering an injury against Uruguay in October 2023. Despite this, he is still training with the goal of participating in what could be the final World Cup of his career.

Conversely, Vinicius maintains a good relationship with his former coach from his time at Real Madrid.

Ancelotti's message was clear: there are no exceptions for any star player, and the ticket to the USA-Canada-Mexico tournament is only for those who meet the highest standards.

Man City scouts Nottingham's £100 million star.

Man City are eyeing Nottingham Forest's £100 million star, Elliot Anderson. The 23-year-old midfielder has impressed Man City with his outstanding performances at both club and international level, making him a top transfer target for the Etihad Stadium side.

Despite his high valuation, Nottingham Forest are in no hurry to sell Anderson, as his contract runs until Summer 2029. However, a truly substantial offer could prompt the club's management to reconsider.

Anderson himself is eager to play at the highest level and is gradually establishing himself in coach Thomas Tuchel's plans for the 2026 World Cup. He has made six appearances for the England national team, after winning the European U21 Championship.

Tuchel praised Anderson as a key player for the team, asserting that he is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. His talent and consistency have earned Anderson a regular starting position. However, Tuchel emphasized that Anderson needs to maintain this impressive form. He described Anderson as a complete and versatile midfielder who consistently proves his worth to the coach.

Despite his initial successes, Tuchel reminded Anderson that his career is still very long and there are many steps he needs to take. He stressed that there is no guarantee of a World Cup spot, especially when facing fierce competition from the media. Tuchel praised Anderson's proper attitude, talent, and dedication in fulfilling his role, and expressed his satisfaction with his contributions.

With his remarkable progress, transfer rumors were inevitable. Newcastle, Anderson's former club, has always expressed a desire to bring a homegrown talent back to his old stomping ground.

According to Sky Sports, Man City are leading the race to sign Anderson, although Man United are also reportedly interested in the midfielder.

Sources reveal that Manchester City's sporting director Hugo Viana and scouting team have watched Anderson play more than 10 times since the start of the season. The reports sent back to Etihad have been very positive, and Pep Guardiola has become a big fan of Anderson.

Anderson is also reportedly considering interest from Manchester City. Sky Sports reports that he "has informed close friends and family that he will prioritize Man City in the future."

However, there is no guarantee that the deal will be finalized anytime soon. The reason is that Forest is prepared to demand the highest possible price for one of their most valuable assets.

According to Sky Sports, Forest's £100 million valuation is proving to be a major obstacle for clubs interested in signing Anderson. All interested clubs have reportedly refused to meet this price.

A deal in the January 2026 transfer window is considered "unfeasible," as Forest are unwilling to sell mid-season while they are fighting to avoid relegation. Any offers would likely only come in the summer.

By then, Anderson's value could increase even further, especially as his position in the England midfield becomes increasingly secure. If he shines at the 2026 World Cup, pursuing clubs, including Man City, will have to pay an even larger sum to bring him away from City Ground.