World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic retires at 46 after Spain's extra-time win over Argentina
Slavko Vincic, the Slovenian referee who took charge of the 2026 World Cup final, has retired at the age of 46, exactly one week after Spain’s extra-time victory over Argentina. His departure follows a match marred by on-field clashes and a post-game brawl now under Fifa investigation.
A finale clouded by controversy
The Slovenian Football Association (NZS) confirmed on Monday that Slavko Vincic had ended his career, exactly a week after Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the top of the world.
In the closing moments of regular time, Vincic dismissed Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, a decision that provoked widespread criticism for allegedly allowing Argentina’s physical approach to go unchecked throughout the match. Spain secured the title through a Ferran Torres goal in extra time, after which tempers erupted into a mass confrontation. Argentina international Leandro Paredes was caught throwing Spain’s Gavi to the ground, an incident Fifa has opened an investigation into.
A career decorated with high-stakes assignments
Despite the bitter ending to his final match, Vincic departs with a cascade of honours. The International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the tournament, and the Association of Italian Referees (AIA) awarded him the biennial Giulio Campanati Award for his performance at the World Cup.
- Referees the Europa League final (Eintracht Frankfurt vs Rangers)
- Officiates the Champions League final (Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund)
- Handles the Euro 2024 semi-final (Spain vs France)
- Becomes the first foreign referee for Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce
- Sends off Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth (Mexico vs Ecuador)
- Takes charge of the 2026 World Cup final (Spain 1-0 Argentina)
His resume features the 2024 Champions League final, where Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 to claim their 15th title, and the 2022 Europa League final, which Eintracht Frankfurt won on penalties against Rangers. He also took charge of the Euro 2024 semi-final between Spain and France.
Enforcing new rules and making history
At this summer’s World Cup, Vincic oversaw four matches, including Brazil’s opening group-stage game against Morocco and Mexico’s 2-0 win over Ecuador in the last 16. In the latter fixture he enforced a newly introduced rule and sent off Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth during play. Earlier in his career, Vincic became the first foreign official in history to referee a Turkish Super Lig derby when both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce requested a neutral referee for their 2025 clash.
International since 2010 and a member of UEFA’s elite group since 2019, Vincic remains in football in a role yet to be specified. The NZS has announced plans to officially honour him as the finest referee Slovenia has ever produced.
