No Team at the World Cup, China Rallies Around a Referee (opens original article in a new tab)

Chinese referee Ma Ning has gained widespread attention and brand partnerships ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as China's national team failed to qualify. His strict refereeing style and viral social media presence have made him a symbol of national pride.

• Ma Ning is the only Chinese referee at the 2026 World Cup, with multiple brand collaborations including Lenovo and Hisense.
• Chinese social media has created viral memes around Ma's strict refereeing, with topics receiving over 3 billion views on Douyin.
• Ma's official social media accounts on Xiaohongshu and Bilibili gained significant followers, highlighting his role as a national symbol in the absence of the Chinese football team.