Slavko Vincic to referee 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain

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FIFA has officially appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to take charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium).

The 46-year-old from Maribor will become the first Slovenian in history to referee a World Cup final. He will be the 23rd match official to achieve this distinction. Vinčić was informed of his appointment by Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee.

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“A Dream Come True”

Vinčić described the moment he received the news as overwhelming.

“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final,” he said. “It’s something that… it’s only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.”

The Slovenian was quick to share the credit with his officiating team, particularly his assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.

“Refereeing is all about teamwork. So, without them, without Tomaž and Andraž, this is not possible,” he said. “We are really good friends, a good team, and thanks to them.”

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A Stellar Resume

Vinčić is no stranger to high-pressure fixtures. He officiated the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, and two years later took charge of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid. He also officiated at UEFA EURO 2024, including the semi-final between France and Spain.

This is Vinčić’s second World Cup. He officiated two matches in Qatar 2022. So far in the 2026 tournament, he has taken charge of Brazil v. Morocco and Jordan v. Algeria in the group stage, as well as Mexico v. Ecuador in the round of 32. Sunday’s final will mark his sixth career World Cup match and his fourth assignment of the current campaign.

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An Ominous History for Argentina

Vinčić’s appointment has raised eyebrows among Argentine supporters given his only previous World Cup experience with La Albiceleste. He was the referee for Argentina’s 2022 World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia—a match Argentina famously lost 2-1. That defeat ended Argentina’s 36-game unbeaten run in international football.

While Vinčić did award Argentina a penalty in that match—converted by Lionel Messi—the result remains one of the most shocking upsets in World Cup history. Sunday’s final will mark only the second time Vinčić has officiated an Argentina match.

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Full Officiating Crew

Joining Vinčić on the pitch will be:

· Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik (Slovenia)
· Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič (Slovenia)
· Fourth Official: Adham Makhadmeh (Jordan)
· Reserve Assistant Referee: Mohammad Alkalaf (Jordan)

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A Historic Clash

The final pits defending champions Argentina against Spain at the 80,663-capacity MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM EDT. For Vinčić, the occasion represents the pinnacle of a distinguished career.

“First of all, it’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world,” he said. “My team is very proud and we will do our best.”

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