Getting to Know Slavko Vincic, the Referee for the 2026 World Cup Final Match Between Spain vs Argentina

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, scheduled for Monday 20 July 2026 WIB will be officiated by Slavko Vincic. This appointment marks the greatest achievement in the Slovenian referee's professional career.

For Vincic, the opportunity to lead the pinnacle match of the world's most prestigious football tournament will be an unforgettable moment. The 46-year-old referee, who has held an official FIFA international license since 2010, admitted he initially could not believe the news upon receiving it.

"At first it was completely shocking. Then joy washed over me. I was even shaking. This truly is an extraordinary honour to be able to officiate the FIFA World Cup final," Vincic stated on FIFA's official website.

This appointment also creates new history. Vincic becomes the first ever Slovenian referee entrusted to lead a World Cup final, and the 23rd referee overall to officiate the tournament's final match in its entire history.

Extensive Experience At Top Tier Matches

Slavko Vincic is no unfamiliar name on the international football stage. Before being assigned the 2026 World Cup final, he had already overseen numerous high-profile matches across both European and global competitions.

Major fixtures he previously officiated include the 2022 Europa League final, 2024 Champions League final, the Euro 2024 semi-final between France and Spain, as well as multiple matches at the 2022 World Cup.

During the 2026 World Cup tournament itself, Vincic had already led three critical matches: Brazil vs Morocco and Jordan vs Algeria in the group stage, plus Mexico vs Ecuador in the Round of 32.

This proven long track record was one of the core reasons FIFA entrusted him to oversee this high-stakes final clash between Spain and Argentina.

Accompanied By Fellow Slovenian Match Officials

Vincic will not work alone during the upcoming final. He will be supported by two fellow Slovenian assistant referees: Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. The pair have been his long-standing working partners across dozens of international fixtures.

Vincic emphasised that his appointment for the final is not an individual achievement, but the result of teamwork from the entire match official unit.

"A referee's work is entirely built on teamwork. Without this team, without Tomaz and Andraz, none of this would ever have been possible," stated Vincic.

He also noted the close personal bond he has built with both assistants over many years working side by side.

"We are very close friends and a solid, cohesive unit. Thank you so much to both of them," he concluded.

Full Final Match Official Lineup

Alongside the Slovenian referee trio, FIFA also appointed Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan as fourth official, while Mohammad Al Kalaf will serve as reserve assistant referee.

For the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team, Germany's Bastian Dankert was assigned as Lead VAR. He will be supported by Nicolas Gallo as Assistant VAR, and Khamis Al Marri from Qatar as VAR support.