Slavko Vinčić appointed to referee the 2026 FIFA World Cup final

FIFA has selected 46-year-old Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. The match is scheduled to take place on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium. Vinčić, who is the first referee from Slovenia to oversee a World Cup final, was notified of his appointment by FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina. The official will be assisted by compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan has been appointed as the fourth official. Vinčić previously officiated the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund and the 2022 Europa League final. This appointment marks his 23rd time in history as a World Cup final referee. FIFA released video footage showing the referee's emotional reaction upon receiving the news.