Chinese referees take World Cup stage

Chinese referees marked a new World Cup milestone on Saturday as Ma Ning, Zhou Fei and Fu Ming took charge of the Group E encounter between Ecuador and Curacao.

Head referee Ma Ning (L) of China shows a yellow card to a player of the Curacao team during the group E match between Ecuador and Curacao at the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City, the United States, June 20, 2026. （Photo: China News Service）

Ma became the first Chinese referee to take charge of a match in soccer's showpiece since 2002. Zhou served as an assistant referee, while Fu worked as a video assistant referee.

Ma showed one yellow card to Ecuador and five to Curacao during the showpiece match.