FIFA has selected the referee to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, a decision that evokes completely contrasting memories for the two teams.
FIFA has officially announced the decision to appoint Mr. Slavko Vincic as the main referee for the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Assisting Mr. Vincic are two fellow countrymen assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh takes on the duty of fourth official.
This is the second World Cup of Mr. Vincic’s career. At Qatar 2022, the Slovenian referee once officiated the shocking match where Argentina lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in the group stage. That defeat put Lionel Messi and his teammates under immense pressure. However, Argentina subsequently went on a winning streak to capture their third world championship in history.
Mr. Vincic reuniting with Argentina in a crucial match therefore brings less than fond memories for Albiceleste. In contrast, Spain boasts a special record under the 46-year-old referee’s officiating. Mr. Vincic has officiated 5 matches featuring Spain, and La Roja has never suffered a single defeat.
This streak began with a 2-2 draw against Colombia in 2017. Afterward, Spain drew 0-0 with Sweden at EURO 2020, before securing three consecutive victories against Italy and France.
Notably, Mr. Vincic officiated two crucial matches on Spain’s path to the EURO 2024 championship. La Roja beat Italy 1-0 in the group stage, then defeated France 2-1 in the semifinals.
At the 2026 World Cup, Mr. Vincic has been assigned by FIFA to officiate several matches, including the clash between Brazil and Morocco, as well as Mexico’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador.
In the match between Mexico and Ecuador, Mr. Vincic drew attention when issuing a red card to defender Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian player was sent off following the action of covering his mouth while talking to an opponent.
Although this is the first time he is the person “holding the scales of justice” in a World Cup final, Mr. Vincic is no stranger to matches of a decisive nature. Before being selected for the 2026 World Cup final, the Slovenian referee had officiated the Europa League final and the Champions League final.
The most recent time Mr. Vincic officiated a match involving a Spanish representative was the clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the Champions League. Bayern won 4-3, thereby eliminating the Spanish Royal team.
Being assigned to officiate the biggest match of the World Cup shows that Mr. Vincic still receives high trust from FIFA.
