FIFA has appointed Slavko Vinčić to referee the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The 46-year-old Slovenian referee will officiate the match for the world title on Sunday, July 19, at 21 p.m. at New York New Jersey Stadium. He will become the first representative of his country to officiate a World Cup final.
A historic appointment announced by Pierluigi Collina
Originally from Maribor, Slavko Vinčić learned of his appointment directly from Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's head of refereeing and chairman of the referees' committee. The Slovenian described the appointment as a tremendous honor after nearly 25 years in the profession. "First, a shock. Then happiness." »"I was thrilled," he said, recounting the moment the decision was communicated to him. Vinčić will become the 23rd referee in history to officiate a World Cup final. He will be joined by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as assistant referees. Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official. German Bastian Dankert will be in charge of video assistance.
I've already managed three matches during this World Cup.
Slavko Vinčić will officiate his fourth match at the 2026 World Cup. He has already refereed the Brazil-Morocco and Jordan-Algeria group stage matches, as well as Mexico's victory over Ecuador in the round of 16. That latter match was notably marked by the expulsion of Ecuador's Piero Hincapié after a verbal altercation with Mexican striker Santiago Giménez. FIFA applied the protocol allowing for severe sanctions regarding certain on-field remarks, even when the player attempts to cover their mouth. This final will mark his second World Cup appearance. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he officiated two matches, including Argentina's surprise defeat against Saudi Arabia in the opening group stage match. That 2-1 loss remains the Albiceleste's last defeat in a World Cup. The Argentinians went on to win all their knockout matches before clinching the title against France.
Spain has never lost with Vinčić as referee.
Spain's record with Slavko Vinčić is significantly more favorable. The Slovenian referee has officiated five matches for the Spanish national team, which has never lost under his guidance. He notably refereed the draw against Colombia in 2017, the 0-0 draw against Sweden during Euro 2020, and the victory against Italy in the semi-final of the 2023 Nations League. He also officiated two of Spain's matches during Euro 2024: the 1-0 win against Italy and the 2-1 victory against France in the semi-final.
Two major European finals appearances to his credit
An international referee since 2010, Slavko Vinčić already boasts considerable experience in major tournaments. He officiated the 2022 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Glasgow Rangers, which the German club won on penalties. Two years later, he refereed the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley. The Spanish club won 2-0 thanks to goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinícius Júnior. He was also selected for the Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and France. Spain overturned a 2-1 deficit against Les Bleus before going on to win the tournament against England.
A final between the world champion and the European champion
Slavko Vinčić will be at the center of the pitch for a final pitting the two dominant nations of recent years against each other. Argentina, the reigning world champions and two-time South American champions, will attempt to retain their trophy. Spain, the European champions, will seek to win their second World Cup title, 16 years after their triumph in 2010 in South Africa. La Roja qualified by defeating France 2-0 in the semi-finals. Argentina secured their place by overturning England 2-1. The winner will succeed Argentina as champions. Should they triumph again, Lionel Scaloni's team would become the first team to retain their world title since Brazil in 1962.
