FIFA selects Slovenian Slavko Vincic to referee World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will take charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday. The 46-year-old international referee, who has officiated since 2010, was visibly emotional upon his selection, announced by FIFA early Sunday morning. This appointment marks Vincic's first time refereeing a knockout stage match in this World Cup. He previously officiated the Brazil-Morocco, Algeria-Jordan, and Mexico-Ecuador group stage games. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) described Vincic as "one of UEFA's most valued referees." He has overseen five matches involving Spain, resulting in three wins and two draws for the national team, including the Euro 2024 semifinal against France. For Argentina, Vincic refereed their opening match in the Qatar World Cup, a 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia. This World Cup final will be Vincic's third major final. He previously officiated the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, and the 2022 Europa League final featuring Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers. He also refereed the contentious second leg of the Champions League quarterfinals this season between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, where Eduardo Camavinga was controversially sent off late in the game. Vincic will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Jordanian officials Adham Makhadmeh and Mohammed Al-Khalef will serve as the fourth official and reserve assistant referee, respectively. The third-place playoff match between France and England will be officiated by Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela.

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one of the most valued referees of UEFA