Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been appointed to take charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday. The 46-year-old will be assisted by compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, with Jordan's Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh as fourth official and Mohammad Alkalaf as reserve assistant.
Vincic's Previous Encounters with the Finalists
Vincic has officiated one previous Argentina match, which proved significant: the Albiceleste's shock 2-1 group-stage loss to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup, despite taking an early lead through a Lionel Messi penalty. That defeat remains Argentina's last World Cup loss under Vincic's watch.
Spain, meanwhile, boast an unbeaten record in five matches refereed by Vincic since June 2017, winning their last three, including a Euro 2024 semi-final victory over France where he booked Lamine Yamal.
Vincic's World Cup 2026 Journey
Sunday's final will be Vincic's fourth game at this tournament. He previously oversaw the group-stage draw between Brazil and Morocco, Algeria's win over Jordan, and Mexico's round-of-32 victory over Ecuador, where he sent off Arsenal's Piero Hincapie for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent.
Upon learning of his appointment, an emotional Vincic was embraced by fellow officials and FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Match Context
Spain, the European champions, seek a second World Cup and European Championship double, 16 years after their first. Argentina, the reigning world champions, aim to become only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, following Italy (1934, 1938) and Brazil (1958, 1962). The final also marks the first time Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal will share the pitch.
The two sides have met twice before, both in September 2010, with each winning one: Spain 4-1 and Argentina 6-1.
