Key Takeaways
- Slavko Vincic will officiate the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, becoming the first Slovenian to do so.
- Vincic is among an exclusive group of 23 referees in history to oversee a World Cup final.
- He has extensive experience, including officiating the 2024 Champions League final and the 2022 UEFA Europa League final.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic is set to make history as he takes charge of the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, becoming the first official from his country to referee the tournament’s showpiece match.
The 46-year-old was informed of the decision by FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, in an emotional moment captured in a video shared by FIFA. Vincic expressed his overwhelming excitement and pride, stating that refereeing a World Cup final is a dream for any referee.
Vincic has officiated at his second FIFA World Cup, having handled two group-stage matches at the 2022 tournament in Qatar. At the 2026 World Cup, he has overseen several notable matches, including Brazil’s Group C draw with Morocco and Mexico’s Round of 32 win over Ecuador. His extensive experience also includes officiating the 2024 Champions League final and the 2022 UEFA Europa League final.
Despite the individual recognition, Vincic emphasized the importance of teamwork, acknowledging the crucial role of his assistant referees, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič. He also expressed his gratitude to Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh, who will serve as fourth official for the final, and compatriot Mohammad Al-Kalaf, who has been appointed reserve assistant referee.
Collina explained that the decision to appoint Vincic followed weeks of evaluation throughout the tournament, stressing that performances on the pitch were the decisive factor. Vincic stated that he will approach Sunday’s final with the same level of preparation and focus as every match during the tournament, analyzing the teams and staying mentally and physically fresh.
Why This Matters
Vincic’s historic appointment highlights the importance of refereeing excellence and teamwork in the world of football, and his experience and dedication will undoubtedly contribute to a fair and exciting World Cup final. This achievement represents a significant milestone for Slovenian football, marking a new era of success and recognition for the country’s referees.