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.

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.

Zhou Fei and Fu Ming also officiated during the Group E match between Curacao and Ecuador, marking their debuts at the global showpiece.