Slavko Vincic Chosen to Officiate the 2026 World Cup Final amid Historic Links to Messi and Yamal

The 2026 World Cup final is fast approaching, with every detail of Sunday’s championship match at MetLife Stadium attracting worldwide attention. FIFA has confirmed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the final. His historic involvement with both Lionel Messi’s Argentina and Lamine Yamal’s Spain has generated considerable debate.

Now 46, Vincic began his international career in 2010 and has built a distinguished record, overseeing high‑profile fixtures across Europe and on the world stage. His notable assignments include refereeing the 2022 UEFA Europa League final (Eintracht Frankfurt vs. Rangers) and the 2024 UEFA Champions League final (Real Madrid vs. Borussia Dortmund).

Vincic made his World Cup debut in Qatar, officiating two matches, and has since added three more assignments in the 2026 tournament. The upcoming final will mark his sixth World Cup match and his fourth of this edition, underscoring the peak of his officiating career.

Yamal’s Spain record with Vincic

As one of UEFA’s leading officials, Vincic has frequently managed Spain in competitive European matches. His involvement with the Spanish national team began with a 2017 friendly against Colombia, continued with group‑stage duties at Euro 2020 against Sweden, and included a Nations League semifinal against Italy in 2023 — all before Lamine Yamal broke into the senior side.

Vincic’s record with Messi’s Argentina

Because of geographical separation, Vincic has encountered Argentina less often than Spain. Nevertheless, he officiated one of the most shocking episodes in recent Argentine football history.

His only World Cup match involving Argentina was the opening group‑stage game in Qatar, where Saudi Arabia achieved a historic 2‑1 upset, ending Argentina’s 36‑match unbeaten run — the only time Messi’s side lost under Vincic’s jurisdiction.

Lionel Messi of Argentina speaks with referee Slavko Vincic.

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