Experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has been appointed as the head referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match. The final will be held at the New Jersey arena in the United States and will feature Spain facing Argentina. In a video message, Vinčić expressed, “I am immensely proud to represent my country Slovenia at the world’s biggest sporting event.”
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina announced that Vinčić has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the refereeing team for the final. With this appointment, Vinčić becomes the 23rd referee to oversee a World Cup final match and the first Slovenian citizen to do so. He added, “My team is also very proud, and we will ensure an outstanding performance on the field.”
Vinčić brings extensive experience from numerous prominent European and international football matches. He officiated as lead referee in UEFA Euro 2020 games and successfully managed the 2022 UEFA Europa League final. During this World Cup, he has already officiated group stage matches between Brazil and Morocco, Jordan and Algeria, as well as a Round of 32 game between Mexico and Ecuador.
For the final on Sunday, assistant referees Tomaz Klančnik and Andraz Kovačič will support Vinčić. Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed as the fourth official, with Mohammad Al-Kalaf serving as the reserve assistant referee. Germany’s Bastian Dankert will fulfill the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) role.
