World Cup | Chinese referees conclude officiating duties at 2026 World Cup

World

2026.07.13 20:00

FIFA announced the list of referees for the remaining matches of the 2026 World Cup on July 12, with Chinese referees Ma Ning and Zhou Fei not included. Earlier, Chinese referee Fu Ming had left the World Cup zone on July 8. This brings an end to the officiating duties of all three Chinese referees who participated in this World Cup.

On June 20, Chinese referees Ma Ning (center) and Zhou Fei (first from right) appeared before the match between Ecuador and Curaçao. (Xinhua)

At this World Cup, Ma Ning was selected as a main referee, Zhou Fei as an assistant referee, and Fu Ming as a video assistant referee (VAR). On June 20, in the second round group stage match between Ecuador and Curaçao, which ended 0-0, Ma Ning served as the main referee, Zhou Fei as assistant referee, and Fu Ming as VAR — marking the first time a Chinese referee team appeared together at a World Cup.

According to statistics, Ma Ning served as the main referee for one match and as fourth official for three matches. Zhou Fei served as assistant referee for one match and as reserve assistant referee for three matches. Fu Ming took on various roles across seven matches, including VAR, assistant VAR (AVAR), and support VAR (SVAR).

On June 26, during the Group I match between Norway and France at the 2026 World Cup. Ma Ning, who served as fourth official for the match, is pictured before the game. (Xinhua)

Chinese referees set multiple historic records at this World Cup. Ma Ning became the first Chinese referee to officiate a World Cup match in 24 years, and the only Chinese referee to be selected for two consecutive World Cups. Fu Ming became the first Chinese referee to serve as VAR at a World Cup, while Zhou Fei became the first Chinese assistant referee to officiate on the pitch. Ma Ning and Zhou Fei also served as fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively in the Round of 32 match between Germany and Curaçao — the first time Chinese referees had participated in World Cup knockout-stage officiating.

FIFA praised the Chinese referee team, noting in official reports that their performance at this World Cup was professional and fair, demonstrating a high level of officiating competence and contributing to the smooth progress of matches.

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