​’Incredible honour’ – Slovenian referee Vinčić reacts after FIFA picks him for Argentina–Spain World Cup final

​Vinčić sent off Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié under the anti-discrimination protocol widely referred to as the “Vinícius Law” in the last-32 tie.

​By Kehinde Okeowo

​Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has expressed his joy after FIFA appointed him to take charge of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, describing it as an
“incredible honour”.

​The 46-year-old was informed that he would officiate the encounter, billed for the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, by FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina.

​Vinčić will be joined by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič as assistant referees, while Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh will be the fourth official for the match.

​The final will be the fourth game that the Slovenian takes charge of at the tournament, having already officiated group fixtures between Brazil and Morocco, and Jordan and Algeria, as well as the Round of 32 clash between Mexico and Ecuador.

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​Reacting to the news, Vinčić, who was obviously taken aback by the decision, described it as a mix of “shock” and “happiness”.

​He said: “So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the [FIFA] World Cup final.

​”It’s something that… it’s only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.”

​Vinčić, whose appointment makes him the 23rd person in history to referee a FIFA World Cup final and the first from Slovenia, also noted: “It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world.

​”So, yeah, I’m very proud. My team is very proud and we will do our best.”