Slovenian official Slavko Vincic is the referee for Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium.The 46-year-old from Maribor — who took charge of the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund — is the first person from his country to take charge of the world’s biggest football fixture.He will be assisted by Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, both also from Slovenia, while German Bastian Dankert will be the VAR. He will be assisted by Nicolas Gallo from Colombia.Vincic was in tears when he was given the news of his appointment at FIFA’s referee team base in Miami on Thursday.“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final,” he said. “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.”“It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world,” he added. “I’m very proud. My team is very proud and we will do our best.”
Introducing your referee for the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 Final….🥁
Congratulations, Slavko Vinčić! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OMLJ3oA31p
