Slovenia’s Vinčić to Referee World Cup Final

Historic Appointment for a Slovenian Official

FIFA announced Thursday that 46‑year‑old Slavko Vinčić will lead Sunday’s World Cup clash at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The fixture pits Argentina against Spain in the sport’s premier tournament finale. This marks Vinčić’s first appearance as a final referee, making him the inaugural Slovenian to achieve such a milestone.

Vinčić received the assignment directly from FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina during a briefing with other officials. The emotional referee described the moment as a blend of shock, happiness, and pride, confessing he was trembling at the news. “It’s a dream for any referee when they start,” he said, sounding both humbled and determined.

Support Crew Assigned for the Big Stage

Two countrymen, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, will act as the match’s assistant referees, ensuring consistency along the touchlines. Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh steps up to serve as the fourth official, a role that carries its own set of responsibilities. The squad of officials will work together under the watchful eye of FIFA’s refereeing hierarchy.

Vinčić’s Resumé Includes Major Finals

Beyond the World Cup final, Vinčić has already officiated at Euro 2020, Euro 2024, and the 2022 World Cup, demonstrating a track record at the highest levels. He also managed the finals of the Europa League (2022) and the Champions League (2024), plus games at the Club World Cup held in the United States last summer. This World Cup, he has already been in charge of three matches: Brazil versus Morocco, Jordan versus Algeria, and the Mexico‑Ecuador round‑of‑32 clash.

The referee is evaluated after each game, with top performers typically advancing to knockout duties. Vinčić’s recent assignments helped secure his promotion to the final role, a testament to his consistent performance. Now, he prepares to represent Slovenia on soccer’s biggest stage, a source of pride for his country and his team.