The South Korea national football team lost 0-1 to Mexico in the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage on June 19th. Son Heung-min, the team's captain and ace, was substituted for the second consecutive game. The team, led by Hong Myung-bo, started with a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Kim Min-jae at the center of the three-man defense and Son Heung-min as the lone striker. However, the left and right fullbacks were changed from Lee Tae-seok and Seol Young-woo to Seol Young-woo and Kim Moon-hwan. Son Heung-min did not have a single shot on goal. He attempted a lob shot at an empty goal, but it was cleared by the Mexican defense and declared offside. Son Heung-min was not playing poorly, but he had only two touches in the box. This was because he was often isolated at the front. Hong Myung-bo and his teammates did not provide tactical support for Son Heung-min. Hong Myung-bo's decision was to substitute Son Heung-min early. In the 62nd minute, he substituted Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung with Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hwang Hee-chan. The legends also questioned Hong Myung-bo's decision. Lee Geun-ho said, "Why substitute Son Heung-min again? He's playing well today..." Lee Eul-yong also said, "If you put Son Heung-min on the side, it would be better... You should leave Son Heung-min in. We have a chance now." Lee Cheon-su agreed, saying, "If you're going to substitute him, it would be better to put him in later. It's the most disappointing time for a player." Son Heung-min has played as a world-class winger for 10 years at Tottenham. If Oh Hyeon-gyu plays as the lone striker, Son Heung-min can play as a left winger. However, Hong Myung-bo is only using Son Heung-min as a trump card. The team needs tactical flexibility. The South Korea national football team can still advance to the round of 32 if they draw with South Africa in their final group stage match on June 25th. The result of the South Africa match is crucial for the team.