Why did Vincic break down in tears after hearing about his 2026 World Cup final appointment?

12:22 / 18.07.2026·83·Sport

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Upon hearing about the biggest appointment of his career, the 46-year-old referee could not control his emotions and burst into tears.

Interestingly, Argentina's last defeat in a World Cup tournament also occurred in a match officiated by Vincic.

He heard the news from Collina himself

The name of the final referee was announced at a special meeting organized for officials.

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina announced that the Argentina vs. Spain match had been entrusted to Slavko Vincic. This news was unexpected and deeply moving for the Slovenian referee.

Vincic broke down in tears after hearing the appointment. His reaction once again showed that officiating a final is one of the highest peaks in any referee's career.

Vincic has experience in major finals

The Slovenian referee has been officiating important European matches in recent years.

In 2024, he served as:

A referee in the European Championship semi-final;
A head referee in the UEFA Champions League final.

Now, for the first time in his career, Vincic will have the opportunity to officiate the decisive match of a World Cup.

A familiar referee for Argentina

Vincic also has an interesting history with Argentina.

Lionel Scaloni's team last suffered a defeat in the World Cup during the 2022 tournament. At that time, the Argentines sensationally lost 1-2 to Saudi Arabia in the group stage.

Slavko Vincic served as the head referee in that very match.

Since then, Argentina has remained undefeated in World Cup matches. Now, Vincic will take the center of the pitch for the Argentines' decisive clash once again.