Slovenia's Slavko Vincic to referee Spain-Argentina World Cup final, breaking down in tears at announcement

The appointment

FIFA announced on Thursday that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will take charge of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The match kicks off on Sunday 19 July at 21:00 local time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA's Referees Committee, revealed the decision to the assembled match officials, telling Vincic that "playing with golden stripes is something amazing." A video released by FIFA shows the 46-year-old breaking down in tears and embracing his colleagues.

So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it's an incredible honour to get the World Cup final. It's something that... it's only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I'm very proud, very proud of myself, my team.

Vincic will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh serving as fourth official. He becomes the first Slovenian to referee a World Cup final.

Vincic's path to the final

Vincic, an international referee since 2010, has officiated three matches at this tournament: Brazil's 1-1 draw with Morocco and Algeria's win over Jordan in the group stage, followed by Mexico's 2-0 victory against Ecuador in the round of 32. In that last match, he sent off Ecuador's Piero Hincapié for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent, applying the so-called 'Vinicius-Prestianni law' aimed at curbing dissent.

His experience extends to the highest levels of European football. He refereed the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, the 2022 Europa League final between Rangers and Eintracht Frankfurt, and Spain's Euro 2024 semi-final win over France. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he took charge of Argentina's shock 1-2 opening loss to Saudi Arabia and Wales's group-stage meeting with Iran.

Argentina's uncomfortable precedent

For Argentina, Vincic's appointment revives an unpleasant memory. That defeat to Saudi Arabia in Qatar remains the Albiceleste's last World Cup loss. In that match, three Argentine goals were disallowed for offside via semi-automated technology, and the result was one of the tournament's biggest upsets. Although Lionel Scaloni's side went on to lift the trophy, the name Vincic still stirs unease among Argentine fans.

Spain's unbeaten run

Spain, by contrast, has never lost in five matches officiated by Vincic. Those include a 2-1 win over Italy in the 2023 Nations League semi-finals, a 1-0 victory against Italy at Euro 2024, and the 2-1 semi-final defeat of France at the same tournament. The only blemishes were a 2-2 draw with Colombia in 2017 and a goalless stalemate with Sweden at Euro 2020. Spanish supporters will hope that record holds on Sunday.

Controversial moments

Vincic's career has not been without controversy. Beyond the Hincapié red card in this World Cup, he was criticised by Real Madrid after sending off Eduardo Camavinga in the second leg of a Champions League quarter-final at the Allianz Arena. Many accused him of forgetting that Camavinga was already on a yellow card before issuing a second, a decision that contributed to Madrid's elimination under then-coach Álvaro Arbeloa.

The final

The Spain-Argentina final brings together two of football's most storied nations. All eyes will be on Vincic to deliver a performance befitting the occasion. His appointment, Collina said, reflects the trust FIFA places in his experience and composure.