Spain bids farewell to the referee of their historic World Cup title
Slavko Vinčić, the Slovenian referee who officiated the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, announced his retirement on Monday. Spain, who defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final on July 19, 2026, loses one of the most prominent referees of the last decade. Vinčić, 46, was recognized as the best referee of the tournament by the IFFHS.
What defined his career?
Vinčić stood out for officiating key matches in competitions such as the Champions League and the European Championship. At the 2026 World Cup, in addition to the final, he refereed Brazil's draw with Morocco and Algeria's victory over Jordan. His performance in the final, where he sent off Enzo Fernández and disallowed a goal for Spain, was deemed correct by FIFA.
Why is it important for Spain?
The Slovenian referee was part of a historic moment for Spain, who secured their third World Cup title. His retirement closes an era in international refereeing, where his name became associated with decisive matches, such as the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain consolidated their dominance with five consecutive victories.
What's next for international refereeing?
With Vinčić's departure, FIFA and UEFA will lose one of their most experienced referees. His legacy includes officiating high-profile matches, such as Bayern Munich's 4-3 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Meanwhile, Spain prepares for their next challenge: a friendly match against England on September 26, 2026.
