World Cup final referee Slavko Vincic retires at 46, a week after Spain's extra-time win over Argentina

Slavko Vincic, the Slovenian referee who took charge of the 2026 World Cup final, has ended his career at 46, the Slovenian Football Association (NZS) confirmed on 27 July. The announcement came exactly one week after Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, a match that drew sharp criticism for Vincic's tolerance of Argentina's physical approach and ended with a post-match brawl now under FIFA investigation.

The final and its fallout

Spain won their second World Cup thanks to Ferran Torres' extra-time goal, but the match was overshadowed by disciplinary flashpoints. Vincic sent off Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes. After the final whistle, players from both sides clashed on the pitch; Argentina's Leandro Paredes threw Spain's Gavi to the ground. FIFA is examining the incidents, though Gavi has said he does not want Paredes suspended.

“A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the top of the world.”

A career of elite appointments

Vincic had been an international referee since 2010 and a member of UEFA's elite group since 2019. At this summer's World Cup he oversaw four matches: Brazil's group-stage opener against Morocco, Jordan versus Algeria, Mexico's 2-0 last-16 win over Ecuador (where he sent off Ecuador's Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth under a newly introduced rule), and the final. His club highlights include the 2024 Champions League final, in which Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0, and the 2022 Europa League final, where Eintracht Frankfurt defeated Rangers on penalties. In 2025 he became the first foreign referee to officiate the Turkish Super Lig derby between Galatasaray and Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce, at the request of both clubs.

Recognition and honours

Despite the controversy in the final, Vincic was named the World Cup's best referee by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). The Italian Referees Association (AIA) also awarded him the biennial Giulio Campanati Award for his tournament performances. The NZS praised his "clear and firm disciplinary control" and said he had "consolidated his status as one of the best referees in history." The federation plans to honour him officially as Slovenia's greatest referee.

What comes next

Vincic has not disclosed his future role, but the NZS indicated he will remain in football in some capacity. His departure leaves UEFA without one of its most trusted officials, a figure who presided over four European Championships and multiple club showpieces across 16 seasons at the highest level.