17.07.2026 11:10
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic. Vincic, who also blew the whistle in last year's Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby, has been deemed worthy of one of the most important tasks of his career. The experienced referee could not hold back his tears when he learned he would officiate the final match.
FIFA has announced the referees who will officiate the 2026 World Cup final. The Argentina-Spain final, to be played on July 19 at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, will be refereed by Slovenian official Slavko Vincic. His assistants will be his compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official.
A FAMILIAR NAME FOR TURKISH FOOTBALL FANS
46-year-old Slavko Vincic is a well-known figure in Turkish football circles. The experienced referee officiated the Galatasaray-Fenerbahce derby in the Super Lig last season, and his performance was a topic of discussion for a long time. Additionally, he has officiated in many top-level organizations throughout his career, including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals.
COULDN'T HOLD BACK TEARS UPON HEARING THE NEWS
After FIFA Referees Committee Chairman Pierluigi Collina announced the decision, Slavko Vincic experienced a deeply emotional moment. Initially in shock, the Slovenian referee then could not hold back his tears.
Vincic said, 'I was shocked at first, then I felt great joy. I was trembling. To referee a World Cup final is an incredible honor. This is a dream you have from the very first day you start refereeing.' In the footage shared by FIFA, Vincic's emotional moments were also captured on camera.