FIFA has confirmed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, will be in charge of Sunday’s 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
The world football governing body appointed the officiating team on Friday.
Vinčić will be assisted by his fellow Slovenians, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, who will serve as first and second assistant referees respectively.
Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh has been named fourth official, while Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as reserve assistant referee.
The World Cup final will be played at the 80,663-capacity stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 p.m. local time (EDT).
Spain secured their place in the final after defeating France in the semi-finals, while Argentina booked a second successive appearance in the title decider by overcoming Egypt, Switzerland and England in the knockout stages.
The final will be the 104th and last match of the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, with the winners set to be crowned world champions.
His journey through the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup Final will be Vinčić’s fourth assignment at the 2026 tournament.
The Slovenian has already officiated the group-stage matches between Brazil and Morocco and Jordan and Algeria, as well as the Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador.
That knockout match drew significant attention after Vinčić sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié under the anti-discrimination protocol widely referred to as the “Vinícius Law.”
A referee accustomed to the biggest stages
Vinčić arrives at the World Cup Final with an impressive résumé at both the international and club levels.
The 46-year-old referee was in charge of the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.
He also officiated the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, further cementing his reputation as one of UEFA’s most trusted referees.
He has officiated both finalists before
Sunday will not be the first time Vinčić has taken charge of matches involving either Spain or Argentina.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he officiated Argentina’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the group stage—a loss that ultimately became the turning point before Lionel Scaloni’s side went on to win the tournament.
Spain is also familiar with the Slovenian official, who oversaw La R
A World Cup Final under the spotlight
With two of the tournament’s strongest teams competing for the title, every decision made by the officiating crew will be closely scrutinized.
Spain will be chasing its second FIFA World Cup title, while Argentina hopes to defend the crown it won in Qatar 2022 and capture a historic fourth World Cup trophy.
As the football world turns its attention to MetLife Stadium, Slavko Vinčić will carry the responsibility of officiating the biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.