FIFA Appoints Slovenian Referee Vinčić For 2026 World Cup Final
FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate Sunday's 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.
The world football governing body announced that Vinčić will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh has been named fourth official for the tournament's showpiece fixture.
The appointment represents a career milestone for the 46-year-old referee, who has impressed throughout the expanded 48-team World Cup with a series of composed performances.
The final will be Vinčić's fourth assignment at the tournament. He previously officiated the group-stage matches between Brazil and Morocco, Jordan and Algeria, before taking charge of the Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador.
That knockout encounter drew global attention after Vinčić sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié under FIFA's strengthened anti-discrimination regulations, reinforcing the governing body's commitment to tackling discriminatory behaviour on the pitch.
Widely regarded as one of UEFA's top referees, Vinčić has earned a reputation for calm decision-making and effective management of high-pressure matches across European and international competitions.
His selection for the World Cup final underscores FIFA's confidence in his ability to oversee one of football's biggest fixtures.
Argentina, the defending champions, secured their place in the final with a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals, while Spain defeated France to book their place in the title decider.
With Lionel Messi hoping to add another World Cup title to his glittering career and Spain chasing a new global crown, all eyes will be on both the players and the officiating team as the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax.
The world football governing body announced that Vinčić will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh has been named fourth official for the tournament's showpiece fixture.
The appointment represents a career milestone for the 46-year-old referee, who has impressed throughout the expanded 48-team World Cup with a series of composed performances.
The final will be Vinčić's fourth assignment at the tournament. He previously officiated the group-stage matches between Brazil and Morocco, Jordan and Algeria, before taking charge of the Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador.
That knockout encounter drew global attention after Vinčić sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié under FIFA's strengthened anti-discrimination regulations, reinforcing the governing body's commitment to tackling discriminatory behaviour on the pitch.
Widely regarded as one of UEFA's top referees, Vinčić has earned a reputation for calm decision-making and effective management of high-pressure matches across European and international competitions.
His selection for the World Cup final underscores FIFA's confidence in his ability to oversee one of football's biggest fixtures.
Argentina, the defending champions, secured their place in the final with a 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals, while Spain defeated France to book their place in the title decider.
With Lionel Messi hoping to add another World Cup title to his glittering career and Spain chasing a new global crown, all eyes will be on both the players and the officiating team as the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax.
