China has not qualified for the men’s World Cup since 2002. But Ma Ning, nicknamed “Card Master,” will ensure there is still a Chinese presence on the field at the tournament.

Ma Ning, conhecido pelo rigor na arbitragem, concentra agora o apoio dos adeptos chineses que não verão a sua selecção no Mundial 2026.

A 12-hour-plus time difference and various streaming options are influencing how people in China watch the World Cup.

China has not qualified for the men’s World Cup since 2002. But Ma Ning, nicknamed “Card Master,” will ensure there is still a Chinese presence on the field at the tournament.

With China's men's team absent from the 2026 World Cup, fans have rallied behind referee Ma Ning, the tournament's only Chinese match official.