FIFA has announced the officiating team for the 2026 World Cup final; a match in which Spain and Argentina will compete for the biggest prize in world football.

This match, taking place on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will be officiated by Slavko Vinčič, the Slovenian referee and one of the most experienced referees in European football.

His fellow countrymen, Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, will assist him, and Adham Makhadmeh from Jordan has been selected as the fourth official.

His journey in the 2026 World Cup

The World Cup final will be Vinčič's fourth officiating assignment in the 2026 World Cup competitions.

This Slovenian referee has previously officiated group stage matches between Brazil and Morocco, Jordan and Algeria, as well as the round of 32 match between Mexico and Ecuador.

The knockout match between Mexico and Ecuador drew significant attention after Vinčič sent off Piero Hincapié, the Ecuador national team defender, based on the anti-discrimination protocol; a protocol widely known as the 'Vinicius Law.'

Vinčič, with an impressive record in both national and club football, is preparing to officiate the World Cup final.

This 46-year-old referee officiated the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium.

He was also the referee for the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers; a match that further solidified his position as one of UEFA's most trusted referees.

He has previously officiated matches involving both finalists.

Sunday's match will not be the first time Vinčič officiates a game involving Spain or Argentina.

He officiated Argentina's unexpected 2-1 defeat against Saudi Arabia in the group stage of the 2022 Qatar World Cup; a defeat that ultimately became a turning point for the team under Lionel Scaloni's management before Argentina went on to become the World Cup champions.

The Spanish national team is also familiar with this Slovenian referee. Vinčič officiated the 1-0 victory of La Roja against Italy in the group stage of Euro 2024.

Given that both teams are among the strongest contenders for the title in this tournament, all decisions made by the officiating team will be scrutinized with great care.

Spain is vying for its second World Cup title, while Argentina hopes to defend its title from the 2022 Qatar World Cup and win the World Cup trophy for the fourth time in history.

As the world's football attention is focused on MetLife Stadium, Slavko Vinčič will be responsible for officiating the biggest match of the 2026 World Cup.

Source: beinsports