2026 FIFA World Cup Final referee Slavko Vinčić announces retirement

The Slovenian Football Association has confirmed that World Cup final referee Slavko Vinčić has officially hung up his whistle. The 46-year-old was chosen by FIFA to officiate Spain's landmark victory over Argentina and has now opted to bring his career to a close.

The opening of their official statement read: "One week after the World Cup Final in the USA, Slavko Vinčić officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.

"The Maribor native became the first Slovenian head referee to officiate the grand final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, confirming his status as one of the greatest officials in history.

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"As the crowning achievement of his farewell season, the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the World Cup, and he received the prestigious Giulio Campanati award in Italy."

Their statement continued, as per The Mirror, to highlight his greatest accomplishments, which include participation in three UEFA Europa League Finals and taking charge of the 2022 showpiece between Frankfurt and Rangers.

Two years later, he oversaw the Champions League Final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund, with his extensive experience in high-stakes matches seemingly proving instrumental in his selection for the World Cup Final.

Upon hearing of the accolade being awarded to him, Vinčić was moved to tears. He had officiated three matches earlier in the tournament, including the knockout encounter between Ecuador and Mexico.

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He dismissed Piero Hincapie in that game after the Arsenal star covered his mouth to communicate with a Mexico player during a heated confrontation.

Vinčić also brandished a red card at MetLife Stadium after Argentina's Enzo Fernández committed two yellow-card offenses.

The 2022 champions were perhaps fortunate to have only one player sent off, with Leandro Paredes' behavior disgraceful following his introduction as a substitute. The midfielder was among several players involved in a post-match altercation, with Vincic struggling to separate those involved.

FIFA launched an investigation in the wake of the incident, though a definitive resolution has yet to emerge, with the sole official update confirming that Paredes was not actually shown a red card by Vinčić after the final whistle.