China’s World Cup heartbreak sparks star turn for referee Ma Ning
TL;DR
China, again shut out from the World Cup, cheers on referee Ma Ning, whose strict demeanor and social-media savvy have made him the tournament’s best-known Chinese figure, fueling interviews and sponsorships as he considers retirement after the event.
- Shut out of the World Cup again, China roots for a referee The Washington Post
- ‘Historic moment’ as three Chinese referees to officiate same FIFA World Cup match Global Times
- China failed to qualify for the World Cup, so soccer-loving fans are cheering for a referee instead NBC News
- CHINA – FIFA 2026 China is rooting for its World Cup referee AsiaNews
- China didn’t qualify for the World Cup, but fans will be cheering for the ‘Card Master’ referee CNN
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