Slavko Vincic, referee of the 2026 World Cup final, ends his career

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic, who officiated the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, has decided to end his refereeing career.

The 46-year-old Vincic, who officiated the final match between Argentina and Spain in the tournament jointly hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, hung up his whistle just one week after one of the biggest matches of his career.

Vincic officiated a total of 4 matches in the 2026 World Cup, including the final. It was reported that the experienced referee was overcome with emotion and could not hold back his tears when it was announced that he would officiate the final match.

The Slovenian referee was also among the names well-known to the Turkish football public. Vincic had also officiated the Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe derby played in the second half of the 2024-2025 season.