FIFA has appointed the chief referee of the final match of the World Cup

The International Football Federation (FIFA) has appointed the chief referee of the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in which the national teams of Spain and Argentina will compete for the main trophy. The relevant decision of the federation was published on its website on July 17.

"Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has been appointed chief referee of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match, in which the national teams of Spain and Argentina will play," the publication notes.

The decisive game of the World Cup will begin on July 19 at 22:00 Moscow time on the field of the Metlife Stadium in New York. The 46-year-old Vincic, who has experience working at European Cup finals, will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaj Klancnik and Andraj Kovacic, while Jordanians Adham Mahadmeh and Mohammad Al‑Kalaf will play the roles of reserve referees.

Vincic, a native of Slovenian Maribor, will become the first citizen of his country and only the 23rd referee in the history of world football to be entrusted with judging the World Cup final. The referee described his appointment, which was received from the head of the FIFA refereeing committee, Pierluigi Collina, as shocking news and an incredible honor, stressing that hosting the main match of the fourth anniversary at the American stadium was his lifelong dream.

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On July 15, the Spanish national team defeated the French team in the semi-final match of the FIFA World Cup. The match took place in Arlington and ended with a score of 2:0. Spain reached the final of the world Championship for the first time since 2010.

The Argentine national team reached the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 15, beating the English team. The match ended with a score of 2:1. The England national team scored the first goal: Anthony Gordon scored in the 55th minute. The Argentina team managed to change the course of the game thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez (on 85 minutes) and Lautaro Martinez (on 90+2 extra minutes).