Slovenian official Slavko Vincic has been chosen to referee the upcoming FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. This selection marks a historic moment, as he is the first referee from Slovenia to lead the tournament’s championship match. At 46 years old, Vincic joins a prestigious list of only 23 officials who have ever managed a World Cup final.
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, delivered the news to Vincic in a video released by the organization. Vincic expressed his profound gratitude and surprise upon learning of the assignment, emphasizing his pride in representing Slovenia on the global stage. He noted that the achievement is a collaborative effort shared with his assistant referees, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič.
Vincic, who is currently participating in his second World Cup, has built an impressive resume. His recent work includes overseeing the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, as well as the 2022 UEFA Europa League final. Collina explained that the selection process was rigorous, prioritizing consistent performance on the field throughout the 2026 tournament.
As the final approaches, Vincic plans to maintain his standard preparation routine. He intends to analyze the competing teams thoroughly while ensuring he and his team remain physically and mentally prepared for the high-stakes match. Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan will serve as the fourth official, supported by reserve assistant referee Mohammad Al-Kalaf.
