Chinese referee Ma Ning to officiate at World Cup
Referee Ma Ning, the only Chinese official at the 2026 World Cup, is set to make his debut on Saturday during the match between Ecuador and Curaçao in Kansas City, reports BritPanorama.
Ma, known locally as “Card Master” for his stringent officiating style, has garnered attention for his decisive approach. In a 2015 Shanghai derby, he issued a total of nine yellow cards and three red cards, becoming a meme on Chinese social media platforms.
Amid China’s continued struggle to excel in football, Ma serves as a focal point for national pride. The news of his upcoming match has gone viral on Weibo, amassing over 24 million views, coinciding with the Dragon Boat Festival holiday weekend in China.
“Just seeing him stand out there is enough for me,” said Hu Qiyun, a 25-year-old fan from Shanghai. “Whether he decides to hand out cards or not is entirely up to him.”
Despite the challenges faced by the men’s national football team, which has not yet hosted a World Cup despite significant investments in youth development and facilities, Ma’s appointment as a referee signals a moment for fans to rally behind.
“We’ll be cheering for you, because there’s no one else from China for us to support in the tournament,” commented a user on Chinese social media platform RedNote, in response to a photo of Ma at the airport en route to the tournament.
Ma, who officiated the 2023 Asian Cup final and matches at the 2025 Arab Cup, has gained a substantial following on platforms like Douyin, securing brand collaborations with several Chinese companies. Analyst Chen expressed confidence in Ma’s ability: “I’m sure he will study both teams’ playing styles carefully beforehand. That will help him decide whether to apply a more relaxed or stricter standard during the game.”
Though Ma represents the only visible link to national hopes during the World Cup, some fans remain hopeful for the day when their national team can qualify. Hu shared a personal aspiration, stating, “By the time I’m around 35 and well into my career, China can qualify for the World Cup again.”
As the tournament unfolds, Ma’s performance could draw both scrutiny and support, reiterating the complexities of national pride intertwined with the sport’s evolving landscape in China.
