The referee for the World Cup Final has been confirmed

FIFA has announced the officiating crew for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, where Spain and Argentina will battle for football's biggest prize.

The match, scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić, one of Europe's most experienced officials.

He will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Adham Makhadmeh of Jordan has been appointed as the fourth official.

His journey through the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup Final will be Vinčić's fourth assignment at the 2026 tournament.

The Slovenian has already officiated the group-stage matches between Brazil and Morocco and Jordan and Algeria, as well as the Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador.

That knockout match drew significant attention after Vinčić sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié under the anti-discrimination protocol widely referred to as the "Vinícius Law."

A referee accustomed to the biggest stages

Vinčić arrives at the World Cup Final with an impressive résumé at both the international and club levels.

The 46-year-old referee was in charge of the 2024 UEFA Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

He also officiated the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, further cementing his reputation as one of UEFA's most trusted referees.

He has officiated both finalists before

Sunday will not be the first time Vinčić has taken charge of matches involving either Spain or Argentina.

At the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, he officiated Argentina's shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in the group stage—a loss that ultimately became the turning point before Lionel Scaloni's side went on to win the tournament.

Spain is also familiar with the Slovenian official, who oversaw La Roja's 1-0 victory over Italy during the group stage of UEFA EURO 2024.

A World Cup Final under the spotlight

With two of the tournament's strongest teams competing for the title, every decision made by the officiating crew will be closely scrutinized.

Spain will be chasing its second FIFA World Cup title, while Argentina hopes to defend the crown it won in Qatar 2022 and capture a historic fourth World Cup trophy.

As the football world turns its attention to MetLife Stadium, Slavko Vinčić will carry the responsibility of officiating the biggest match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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