Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić says officiating the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina is an incredible honour for him.
Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has described his appointment as the referee for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final as an “incredible honour” after FIFA confirmed he will officiate Sunday’s showpiece between Spain and Argentina.
Spain and Argentina will meet at MetLife Stadium in the World Cup final. The highly anticipated clash is expected to be one of the biggest fixtures in recent football history.
Vinčić will be joined by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as assistant referees, making history as the first officiating team from Slovenia to oversee a men’s World Cup final.
The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup Final have been appointed. 🤝
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 16, 2026
FIFA released a behind-the-scenes video showing the moment Vinčić learned of his appointment. The 46-year-old immediately held his head in disbelief before breaking down in tears, visibly overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion.
Speaking after the announcement, Vinčić admitted the news initially left him speechless. He described the opportunity as the ultimate achievement for any referee and said it fulfilled a lifelong dream that began when he first picked up a whistle.
“First of all, it was a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking. It’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final,” Vinčić said. “It’s only a dream for a referee when they start. I’m very proud of myself, my team and to represent Slovenia at the biggest sporting event in the world.”
Sunday will be the 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 time the reigning champions of Europe and South America will play against each other in a World Cup final 🤯🏆
Spain are the current Euros winners, and Argentina are the Copa America champions… Due to be a classic 👀 pic.twitter.com/6GZrsKcbgy
— LiveScore (@livescore) July 17, 2026
Vinčić has built an impressive international career since becoming a FIFA referee in 2010. He previously officiated at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar before taking charge of the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid, cementing his reputation as one of Europe’s most respected officials.
Sunday’s final also brings Vinčić full circle with Argentina. His first World Cup match in Qatar was the Albiceleste’s shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, but this time he will oversee Lionel Messi’s side as they bid to lift another world title against an in-form Spain in football’s biggest match.
