A dream come true for Slavko Vinčić

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina will be the biggest match of Slavko Vinčić's refereeing career.

Just days before the showdown at MetLife Stadium, the 46-year-old Slovenian official revealed what went through his mind when FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina informed him that he had been chosen to officiate football's biggest game.

Rather than remaining composed, Vinčić admitted the moment completely overwhelmed him.

"My legs were shaking"

The experienced referee said the news came as a complete surprise.

"First of all, it was a surprise. Then came the joy. My legs were shaking. It's an incredible honor to referee a World Cup Final."

Vinčić explained that officiating the World Cup Final is the ultimate dream for any referee.

"It's something every young referee dreams about when starting out. I'm incredibly proud of myself, proud of my team, and honestly, I still can't believe it."

A tribute to his team and his family

The Slovenian official made it clear that the appointment was not his achievement alone.

Vinčić praised assistant referees Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, who have worked alongside him throughout much of his international career.

"Refereeing is completely built on teamwork. Without them, none of this would have been possible. We're great friends, a great team, and we've shared this journey together."

He also thanked his family for the sacrifices they made throughout his career.

"They were the first people I thought about after receiving the news. They've sacrificed so much over the years, and this achievement belongs to them as well."

Collina explains how FIFA selects a World Cup Final referee

Pierluigi Collina also reflected on the process behind appointing the referee for the tournament's biggest match.

The legendary Italian official admitted that announcing the referees for both the third-place match and the World Cup Final remains one of the most emotional moments of every tournament.

"I still get goosebumps every time I announce the referees for the finals. It's an emotional moment not only for the officials, but for me as well."

According to Collina, the appointment is the result of months of evaluation rather than a single outstanding performance.

Much more than one good performance

Collina compared the selection process to putting together a puzzle.

Referees are evaluated on their performances throughout the tournament, their consistency, their management of high-pressure matches and the work of the entire officiating team before FIFA reaches its final decision.

Only when every piece falls into place does FIFA appoint the referee who will oversee the most important match in world football.

On Sunday, all eyes will be on Slavko Vinčić as he walks onto the field at MetLife Stadium to officiate the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, fully aware that millions of fans around the globe will be watching every decision he makes.

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