Overview
- FIFA confirmed Slavko Vincic will referee the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, making it the most prominent match of his career.
- A FIFA video showed Vincic visibly moved to tears when told of his selection, a moment widely circulated in coverage of the announcement.
- This will be Vincic’s fourth match in the 2026 tournament after he officiated Brazil–Morocco, Jordan–Algeria and Mexico–Ecuador earlier in the competition.
- Vincic drew attention for sending off Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié in Mexico–Ecuador for covering his mouth when addressing an opponent under the so-called 'Ley Vinicius-Prestianni', a decision that sharpened debate about stricter conduct enforcement.
- FIFA named Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic as Vincic’s assistant referees and Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official, and the choice puts the team under close public and regulatory scrutiny during the final.