Slavko Vinčić's Record: The Referee for the Argentina-Spain World Cup Final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, a match he celebrated with his colleagues by displaying a shirt bearing his name.

Vinčić has a history with both finalist nations. For Argentina, his officiating dates back to their surprising 2022 World Cup opening defeat against Saudi Arabia, a match where Lionel Messi scored from a penalty. Although Argentina ultimately lost 1-2, there were no red cards issued, but six Saudi Arabian players received yellow cards. Vinčić has overseen five of Spain's matches, including their Euro 2024 semifinal victory over France. In that tournament, which Spain won, he did not send off any players. He has also refereed Spain's 1-0 group stage win against Italy in Euro 2024, a 2-1 victory over Italy in the 2023 UEFA Nations League, a 0-0 draw with Sweden in Euro 2020, and a 2-2 draw against Colombia in 2017.

“

Playing with golden stripes is beautiful. I am sure you will agree, just as it is great that the referee will be Slavko.

With experience in two World Cups (2022 and 2026), Vinčić has officiated three matches in the current tournament: Brazil 1-1 Morocco, Jordan 1-2 Algeria, and Mexico 2-0 Ecuador. In the 2022 World Cup, besides the Argentina-Saudi Arabia game, he refereed Wales 0-3 England. At 46 years old, he has officiated a total of 512 professional football matches. His experience extends to major finals, having refereed the UEFA Europa League final in 2021 and the UEFA Champions League final in 2024. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has acknowledged him as "one of the most valued referees by UEFA."

“

it is one of the most valued referees by UEFA.