SportFootballFIFA World CupFIFA have confirmed the referee for Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina and there were emotional scenes when the decision was announced09:29, 17 Jul 2026Updated 09:30, 17 Jul 2026World Cup referee Slavko Vincic broke down in tears after he was appointed as the man in the middle for Sunday's showpiece final between Spain and Argentina.‌Vincic, 46, is considered as one of Europe's most experienced officials and has taken charge of three matches at this summer's World Cup, including Brazil's 1-1 draw against Morocco.‌Alongside that, the Slovenian refereed some huge Champions League games last season, with Bayern Munich's Champions League quarter-final home tie against Real Madrid the most high-profile. But none come close to the World Cup final and Vincic is going to get the honour to lead out Spain and Argentina in New Jersey as the referee on Sunday‌He was told about the opportunity in a meeting with a number of other FIFA officials and got emotional as the news broke to him."Playing with golden stripes is something beautiful. I am sure you agree with me. It's beautiful, it's absolutely great. As well as it's great the referee will be Slavko [Vincic]," the announcement read.Footage from FIFA showed Vincic put his head into his hands and break down in tears after he discovered he would referee the final. He then got up, hugged a fellow official to his left before walking up and collecting his World Cup final shirt which had his name printed on the back.‌Content cannot be displayed without consentVincic will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, while Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan has been appointed as the fourth official.The World Cup final will be Vincic's fourth game at the tournament, having officiated the group stage matches between Brazil and Morocco and Jordan and Algeria, as well as the round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador. That knockout match drew significant attention after Vincic sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie under the anti-discrimination protocol for speaking to an opponent while covering his mouth.‌Vincic has refereed some gigantic matches across his club career. He was in charge of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.He also officiated the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, further cementing his reputation as one of UEFA's most trusted referees across the last decade or so.Article continues belowSunday won't be the first time Vincic has taken charge of matches involving Spain and Argentina either. He refereed Spain's 1-0 win over Italy in the group stage at Euro 2024 and was the man in the middle for Argentina's 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Content cannot be displayed without consentChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌FIFA World CupArgentina football teamSpain football teamReferees