Ma Ning to Officiate World Cup Group Stage Match
Chinese referee Ma Ning has been selected by FIFA to take charge of a World Cup group stage match, marking the first time in 24 years that a Chinese official will serve as head referee at football’s premier tournament. Ma Ning, 47, will officiate the Group E match between Ecuador and Curaçao on June 20 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, United States, with Zhou Fei serving as assistant referee, according to People’s Daily.
A Historic Return to the World Stage
The appointment makes Ma Ning the first Chinese referee to lead a World Cup match since Lu Jun officiated two group stage games at the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup — a gap of 24 years. Three Chinese officials were selected for the 2026 World Cup refereeing team: Ma as a referee, Zhou as an assistant referee, and Fu Ming as a video assistant referee. Fu has already appeared in two matches as an assistant VAR, meaning all three Chinese officials will have made appearances at this year’s tournament, as reported by China Daily.
China has not qualified for the men’s World Cup since its sole appearance in 2002, but the country’s passion for football remains strong. According to NBC News, more than 44 million Chinese viewers watched South Korea’s opening game against Czechia, demonstrating the massive football audience in the country despite the national team’s absence.
Ma Ning’s Journey to the World Cup
Ma Ning’s path to the World Cup’s center stage has been a steady climb through the ranks of international refereeing. At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, he served as a fourth official in six matches. He went on to officiate the 2023 AFC Asian Cup final — played in February 2024 — alongside Fu Ming, Zhou Fei, and Zhang Cheng, marking the first time Chinese referees had overseen the continental final. Ma also officiated at the inaugural expanded FIFA Club World Cup in 2025.
Known locally in China as “Card Master” (卡牌大师), Ma earned the nickname for his strict, card-heavy officiating style. In a memorable 2015 Shanghai derby, he handed out nine yellow cards and three red cards, becoming a viral sensation on Chinese social media.
Before departing for the World Cup, Ma said the Chinese officials were determined to prove themselves on football’s biggest stage.
“During the World Cup, we will learn from the world’s best referees and bring valuable experience back to China to contribute to the training and development of Chinese referees. We will also do our utmost to showcase the professionalism and spirit of Chinese referees on the World Cup stage.”
National Pride Without a National Team
With China absent from the tournament, fans have rallied behind Ma Ning as a national representative. News of his appointment went viral on Weibo, with the hashtag racking up more than 24 million views. He has gained over half a million followers on RedNote and Douyin, China’s version of TikTok.
“Just seeing him stand out there is enough for me,” Hu Qiyun, a 25-year-old Shanghai-based fan, told NBC News. “Whether he decides to hand out cards or not is entirely up to him.”
The match kicks off Sunday morning in China, coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday weekend — timing that is expected to draw large viewership. “We’ll be cheering for you, because there’s no one else from China for us to support in the tournament,” one comment read under Ma’s photo on Chinese social media.
Ma’s popularity has also translated into commercial success, with brand endorsements from major Chinese companies including Lenovo and Hisense.
Broader Implications for Chinese Football
Ma Ning’s appointment represents a landmark achievement for Chinese football officiating. While the Chinese men’s national team has struggled to qualify for the World Cup despite significant investments in academies and youth development, Chinese referees are gaining recognition at the highest level of the sport.
With three Chinese officials involved in the 2026 World Cup — the largest Chinese officiating presence at a World Cup in history — this could pave the way for future generations of Chinese referees. Ma has stated his intention to bring back knowledge and experience from the World Cup to contribute to referee development programs in China.
What to Watch For
Ma Ning’s “Card Master” reputation for strict officiating could become a talking point during the Ecuador vs. Curaçao match, particularly if controversial decisions arise. Should his performance be well-regarded, he may be assigned additional matches in the knockout stages. The match also carries significance for Group E standings, with both teams looking to strengthen their positions in the group.
For Chinese fans, Saturday’s match offers a rare opportunity to cheer for a national representative on the world’s biggest football stage — a moment of pride 24 years in the making.