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New Delhi: FIFA has confirmed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic as the man in charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday. He will be joined by assistant referees Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic while Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh has been named fourth official and Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as the reserve assistant referee.

The announcement was followed by an emotional moment with Vincic visibly moved after receiving his referee kit for the final. A video shared by FIFA showed the experienced official holding back tears before being congratulated by fellow referees, highlighting what the appointment means in his career.

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While the selection has been welcomed across the football world, Vincic’s record with Argentina and Spain has also become a talking point ahead of the final.

Argentina supporters will remember Vincic from one of the most surprising matches in recent World Cup history. The Slovenian referee officiated Argentina’s opening game at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar where Lionel Messi’s side suffered a stunning 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia.

During that match, Vincic awarded Argentina an early penalty which Messi converted and also showed six yellow cards to Saudi Arabian players. Despite that, Argentina ended up on the losing side in what remains one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history.

That is the only World Cup defeat Argentina have experienced in a match officiated by Vincic which makes his appointment an interesting talking point before Sunday’s final.

Spain have also had plenty of experience with Vincic in recent years. He has overseen several of their major international fixtures including matches at Euro 2020, the UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024.

Since Lamine Yamal became a regular for the national team when Vincic has refereed Spain’s wins over Italy and France during Euro 2024. That record could offer some confidence to Luis de la Fuente’s side heading into the final.

According to FIFA, Vincic has been an international referee since 2010 and has officiated some of football’s biggest matches including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. He has also handled three matches at the ongoing World Cup.

With Argentina aiming to defend their title and Spain chasing their second World Cup crown, all eyes will be on Vincic and his officiating team when they take charge of the biggest game in the football world on Sunday.