Slavko-Vincic-referee-1024x683 Slavko Vincic reflects on special honour of officiating World Cup Final

Screenshot-2026-04-04-204228-1024x172 Slavko Vincic reflects on special honour of officiating World Cup Final

Slavko Vincic Opens Up on the Honour of Officiating the World Cup Final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has shared his emotions after being selected to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday.

The historic showdown will see Spain and Argentina compete in the first-ever men’s World Cup final between two reigning continental champions, with both nations battling for football’s biggest prize at the MetLife Stadium.

Vincic will lead the officiating team alongside assistant referees Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, becoming the first referee from Slovenia to take charge of a FIFA World Cup final.

Ahead of the highly anticipated fixture, FIFA released footage showing the moment Vincic was informed of his appointment. The experienced official immediately covered his face and broke down in tears as he realised he had been chosen for the biggest match in international football.

Vincic Describes World Cup Final appointment as a dream

The 46-year-old is regarded as one of Europe’s most respected referees. After becoming a FIFA international referee in 2010, Vincic officiated at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before taking charge of the UEFA Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in 2024.

Reflecting on the honour of refereeing the World Cup final, Vincic admitted the moment was overwhelming.

“So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final.”

The Slovenian referee explained that reaching this stage represents the ultimate ambition for anyone who begins a career in officiating.

“It’s something that is only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself and my team.”

Vincic also highlighted the pride he feels in representing his home country on the biggest sporting stage.

“It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world.”

“My team is very proud, and we will do our best.”

Vincic’s World Cup History

Vincic made his World Cup debut during the Qatar 2022 tournament, with his first match being Argentina’s shock defeat against Saudi Arabia.

The result remains one of the biggest surprises in World Cup history, although Argentina recovered from that setback to eventually lift the trophy. The South American champions will be hoping for a completely different outcome when they face Spain in Sunday’s final.