The South Korea national football team lost to Mexico 0-1 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America group stage. Son Heung-min played for 57 minutes and was substituted, sparking controversy over coach Hong Myung-bo's tactics. South Korea is currently in second place in the group with one win and one loss, and can secure a spot in the next round with a draw against South Africa in their final match. Son Heung-min was still the player that the Mexican defense was most wary of, but he was not utilized effectively by the team. Coach Hong Myung-bo used the same 3-4-2-1 formation as in the previous match against the Czech Republic, with Kim Min-jae at the center of the defense and Son Heung-min as the lone striker. However, the result was a failure, and Son Heung-min did not have a single shot on goal in the two consecutive matches as a striker. He did have a chance to score with a lob shot, but the Mexican defense cleared the ball and he was called offside. Son Heung-min was not ineffective, but he only had two touches in the penalty area. This was because he was often isolated up front. Coach Hong Myung-bo and his teammates did not provide tactical support for Son Heung-min. Son Heung-min has played as a world-class winger for Tottenham for 10 years. If Oh Hyeon-gyu plays as a striker, Son Heung-min can play on the left wing. However, coach Hong Myung-bo is only using Son Heung-min as a substitute. This is an area where tactical flexibility is required. Son Heung-min is 34 years old, but he still has the physical strength to play a full match. There are combinations where Son Heung-min can play with Oh Hyeon-gyu and Cho Gyu-seong. Substituting Son Heung-min early in the game is like taking away the team's most threatening weapon. Coach Hong Myung-bo needs to change his tactics for the match against South Africa. Simply blaming Son Heung-min for the team's lack of goals and substituting him is an irresponsible tactic.