Slovenia’s Slavko Vinčić will referee Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain after FIFA announced the appointment on Thursday, according to Yahoo Sports. Vinčić, 46, will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, with Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh set as fourth official at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Vinčić said the appointment was “a shock” before turning to “happiness,” and said he was proud to represent Slovenia in “the biggest sporting event in the world.” He will be the first Slovenian to officiate a World Cup final. According to Yahoo Sports, Vinčić has also worked at Euro 2020, Euro 2024, the 2022 World Cup, the 2022 Europa League final and the 2024 Champions League final.