Dankert to be Video Assistant in World Cup Final

German referee Bastian Dankert has been appointed as the video assistant referee for the upcoming World Cup final. The 46-year-old brings a wealth of international experience to the crucial role, marking his twelfth appearance in the tournament. Dankert has served as both a video assistant and a supporting video assistant six times each during the competition.

The final match, set to take place in East Rutherford, will feature Spain and Argentina. The on-field officiating will be led by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. This appointment marks Vincic's first World Cup final, although he has officiated four matches in the current tournament, including Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador. His most significant previous assignment was the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

The selection of a European referee for a final contested between a European and a South American team is not uncommon. Notably, Poland's Szymon Marciniak refereed Argentina's victory over France in the previous World Cup final held in Qatar.