Ma Ning impresses at World Cup in 0-0 draw between Curacao and Ecuador

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Referee Ma Ning (L) shows a yellow card to midfielder Tahith Chong (#21) during Curacao's match against Ecuador in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City, Missouri, June 20, 2026. /VCG

As Ecuador battled to a 0-0 draw against Curacao in Saturday's Group E meeting at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, no small amount of the attention in Kansas City fell on Chinese referee Ma Ning, who delivered a composed performance in his first appearance as a lead official at football's top tournament.

Ma was joined by two compatriots, assistant referee Zhou Fei and VAR official Fu Ming.

The 47-year-old became only the second Chinese referee to take charge as a center official at a World Cup and he set an early tone with a strict approach, producing two yellow cards in quick succession midway through the first half, as challenges from both sides began to escalate.

Curacao stayed disciplined under pressure after the break, with Ma issuing several cautions as Ecuador pushed forward, before the match ended with six yellow cards in total, five shown to Curacao players.

Despite late pressure from Ecuador and a penalty appeal in stoppage time, Ma waved play on before whistling a routine end to the match, completing his introductory turn on football's highest international stage.

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Chinese referee Ma Ning impresses at World Cup during 0-0 draw between Curacao and Ecuador