It's the final of 2026 FIFA World Cup. UEFA Elite referee Slavko Vinčić inherits the legacy of Szymon Marciniak from four years ago, earning the prestige of officiating the tournament showpiece final. As UEFA referee in a UEFA - CONMEBOL match, he will be the second official in the tournament to break the confederations rule, following João Pinheiro, who also officiated an Argentina match in the quarterfinals.
Match #104
Final
19 July 2026, 21:00 CET
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford
SPAIN - ARGENTINA
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official: Adham Makhadmeh JOR
Reserve AR: Mohammad Alkalaf JOR
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Nicolas Gallo COL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Khamis Al Marri QAT
Standby Video Assistant Referee: : Tatiana Guzman NCA
Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Pacheco MEX
I would like to thank all the blog readers for following and commenting on these matches with such enthusiasm throughout the entire World Cup. As you know, everything that goes on behind the scenes in terms of organization and preparation for these discussions is extremely demanding, especially considering that most of it takes place during the night for us, European people. Even so, I believe we managed to provide a good service.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I wasn't able to organize any additional activities, such as contests or other side initiatives, especially predictions that are really liked by most of you. To be completely honest, I simply didn't have the time or the opportunity. I think the most important achievement was making sure that every single match remained under our focus and was properly covered. However, I have to apologize if somebody was disappointed for that.
I must also say that the overall quality of the comments was considerably better than anyone could reasonably have expected. Of course, there were a few exceptions during the most controversial matches, with the usual occasional writers who only appear to post for the sake of it. There is no need to mention names, those who have followed the discussions closely will know exactly what I mean.
Personally, I'm not someone who believes in censoring comments. I only intervene in cases of insults, offensive language, or anything clearly unacceptable against referees or organizations. Otherwise, if a comment isn't particularly insightful, I simply accept that perhaps that's the best its author could contribute (nevertheless, in most of the cases it's very sad to take not about that).
That said, I sincerely want to thank every one of you for maintaining what has been, in my opinion, a genuinely constructive atmosphere of discussion. We certainly found plenty of common ground, even if there were also many disagreements from time to time.
FIFA's handling of several issues has left many of us very frustrated, and I think almost everyone here has been very much on the same opinion about that. But now it's time to look ahead and see what comes next.
Best of luck to the Slovenian referee for tonight's match, and above all, enjoy the game!
Thank you for your job, to keep this blog alive during all this tournament, always great to talk about referees here. Enjoy this final.
DeleteTxs Chefren, indeed!
DeleteThanks Chefren for your dedication and job that you did!
DeleteThank you for your excellent job, Chefren!!
DeleteThks for your amazing job Chefren !
DeleteI expected nothing less from you, Chefren. Tks! See you again in 2030 when I back! Stay strong until then.
DeleteThank you
DeleteAgain I will add to the thanks to Chefren , it has been amazing all round and has always I'm here to stay
DeleteThanks Chefren and thanks to all of the blog contributors who have engaged with and without me. My last game for a few weeks but I'll be back early September for the UEFA competitions and domestic competitions. May you all have a lovely time until I return. OA
DeleteThks Mr
DeleteChefren. All of the participants in this forum are surely grateful for the effort you put in and for what you have made available to us. Wishing you good health so that we may continue to enjoy this space. All the best.
According to İvan Bebek and the Slovenian press, Slavko Vinčić will retire after this match. Yes, friends, we are watching Vinčić for the last time. Good luck, Slavko
ReplyDeleteI thought about this yesterday. Why continuing after such a great honour? Too bad
DeleteMaybe he wanted to end his refereeing career at its peak... Don't forget, he's 47 years old.
DeleteVery BIG LUCK TO SLAVKO VINCIC, FIRST REFEREE FROM BALKAN/EX-YU who officate WC final tonight. Wish him to dominate tonight!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Slavko Vincic and his team!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to Slavko. I hope his performance in this game involving Argentina is far better than his catastrophic performance the last time he refreeed a game involving Argentina which was at the last World cup in Qatar (Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia)
ReplyDeleteIf it is the end, please go out on a high Mr Vincic
ReplyDelete2nd minute- correct foul called!
ReplyDeleteVinčić is so sharp in his physical and athletic movement that he’s sometimes even ahead of the play! It’s a pleasure to watch such commitment and investment!
ReplyDeleteThere isn't another referee like him. I doubt we'll ever see such an athletic specimen again.
DeleteSilly comment especially so early in the game
Delete4th minute correct call foul and Spain possesion.
ReplyDeleteGuys are we expecting dark arts or a clean game in a All
ReplyDeleteWith Vincic at this final I doubt we'll have referees from confederations like CAF AFC CONCAF ever again.
It will be always Europe v South America for the WC final IMO
Clear foul missed imo on the attacking phase for Spain
ReplyDeleteVicnic needs to give an early YC to Argentina
Delete+1, and YC for SPA
Delete8th minute correct play on, after that correct foul on Argentina player!
ReplyDeleteSorry but again (with Argentina) Stonewall foul YC and dangerous FK forgotten by Vincic…
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately too close so didn't see it unfold as it was off the ball
ReplyDelete14th minute, correct call foul-correct no YC!
ReplyDeleteMissed yc for McAllister but no suprise
ReplyDeleteFor sure missed YC now..
ReplyDeleteAgain,Argentina using that lenient approach by all refs to their benefit
Missed YC. But we shouldn’t even be surprised anymore I guess.
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable no card here. No words.
ReplyDeleteHe is doing the final and should referee the right way.
DeleteEmbarrassing as seen in the previous games. Other members of IFAB must be furious
DeleteSo he should let them break each others legs?
DeleteAnd this is the right way ?
Delete+ 1. Also considering that almost “orange”…
DeleteAgree. Clear YC. Slovenian is soft so far.
Delete16 th minute correct call on foul, again no YC, correct and consistent aplying of guedlines!
ReplyDeletePathetic no card from vicnic but no-one is suprised
ReplyDeleteI’m going to call it dreadful, a referee who will earn title at least for 12 months as worlds best cannot spot that as a yellow card !! Nasty tackle … Vincic AWFUL
ReplyDeleteEnjoy my friend. How was your day?
DeleteSets too high a bar. It's a nailed on YC in any game. Should be getting advice from AR1 and 4th.
ReplyDeleteFoul was in front of Makhadmeh. Why didn’t give any advice?
ReplyDeleteNo card is fine. Clear situation where a big warning should be shown instead.
DeletePerfect opportunity to draw tge disciplinary line with that tackle from Mac Allister and doesn't give a YC. Unbelievable
ReplyDeleteWorld Cup Final shouldn't change how a person referees ,unless Argentina and Messi are involved
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely terrible so far unfortunately. Very disappointing
ReplyDeleteFor now,perfect managing+ fitness and positioning by Vincic with high authority and trust from players!
ReplyDelete1+
Delete+1
DeleteSpain had a promising advantage cut short and was brought back 20 metres for an offside. It wasn’t Vinčić’s smartest decision, further highlighting that his match management remains far from convincing.
ReplyDeleteSo far, Vincic is managing and keeping the match under control.
ReplyDeleteSo many comments not linked with reality. Hardly wait for CL games and ref realistic comments
ReplyDeleteJust some of the words that blog visitors are using in the first 20 minutes of the match to describe Vincic decisions:
ReplyDelete"Awful,Unbelievable, Pathetic, Embarrassing..."
Yet 99% of them didn't have opportunity to referee the match on this highest level and they give themselves the right to use such words to describe the refereeing of the man who refereed absolutely all the biggest matches in the world of football.
Congratulations
Yes CarlRDM. It’s UNBELIEVABLE to have a no card decision with this kind of ugly tackle. Vincic or not. WC Final or not.
DeleteYes, yes. I'm aware that you are in a good relationship with caps lock
DeleteMissed YC now for tagliafico
ReplyDeleteMakhadmeh quite busy with Spanish bench
ReplyDeletePoor performance by Vincic so far
ReplyDeleteSłabo. Bardzo słabo. Minimum dwie kartki, których nie dał sędzia. I dziwnym trafem wszystkie na korzyść Argentyny...
ReplyDeleteJestem całkiem pewien, że Marciniak ukarałby to żółtą kartką. Czyż nie?
DeleteZapewnie. I całkiem słusznie by to zrobił..
DeleteVincic is completely in control of this match. Yes there likely should have been an early caution, though he decided at the early point in the game to manage the situation. Nothing since then has been close to being a mandatory YC.
ReplyDeleteThe idea that he has been terrible, awful and all the other hyperbolic adjectives seen above is a nonsense.
Hes completely in control and the test will be when one of these teams chooses to push their luck. At that point Vincic must be able to identify this and issue a card. Until now he has been absolutely fine
We saw the same match?
DeleteI'm watching the same match as Ecosse. Vincic can be happy with that half
DeleteSo, we have different mind about good refereeing....
DeleteGood refereeing is about showing adaptability and controlling games of football. It is not about mindlessly issuing cards with no feel for the game. That is how you fail to gain a rapport with players, lose acceptance and lose control
DeleteIf the lack of a yellow card for McAllister means feeling the game, then I don't know..
DeletePerfect first YC. Perfect moment to issue it!
ReplyDeleteeasy first half for vincic
ReplyDeleteHe is poor in both sides. Now he saw imaginary handball.. told he is week
ReplyDeleteAnd there we go. Perfect illustration. Argentina push their luck and Vincic correctly issues the YC
ReplyDeleteSo far so good for vincic. The hydration break working in his favour. The bar being high as he imposed his personality. Players have settled and he’s now lowering the bar just before halftime as the first YC arrives nicely for him
ReplyDeleteMandatory YC for Martinez with pulling and tackle from behind. Vincic did the job for the first time.
ReplyDeleteSteady Ecosse - you talk too much sense, balanced and reasoned arguments
ReplyDeleteAnd now Otamendi comes in.
ReplyDeleteMore dark arts.
The players are calm. They can't even come close to protesting... Vincic's aura is enough.
ReplyDelete4 mins after all the delays?
ReplyDeleteThis is WC Final. Only two things are important for referee. Getting all KMIs right and keeping control of the game. Giving very negative adjectives about performance based on possibly missed YC really doesn't make any sense.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteVincic managed the match in line with the instructions, although he notably missed a major foul in a central area in Spain’s favour. That said, I wouldn’t personally say he’s not at the required level. Overall, his performance was solid and acceptable, despite a few blemishes, including the failure to show Mc Allister what was arguably a yellow-to-orange card. He was energetic and alert in his movement, and he imposed his authority on players who clearly respected him. So, no, it’s certainly not a performance to dismiss entirely.
He's called two fouls against Messi that are totally out of the norm for the rest of the game. A slight tug and a light kick.
ReplyDeletePerfect control of the game by Vincic in first half! Authority on high level. Only mandatory YC issued in perfect time, fitness on high level. May he continiue like this!
ReplyDeleteReally? Reckless by McAllister.. It was purple card...
DeleteRef Fot Well said!
DeleteReally good first half 👏
ReplyDeletePositioning is terrible.. but its ok job
ReplyDeleteTbh, positioning seems to me very very good
Deletelol 😂 You have no respect for any referees except Zwayer.
DeleteI literally just said about positioning how this is disrespectful bro?
DeleteGood first half by Vinčić, not a challenging match so far. Some minor mistakes but nothing that you would talk about in the half time or after the match. Disciplinary approach went well after a clear SPA by ARG.
ReplyDeleteIMO Vincic completely in control, he managed the match correctly. Good job in the first half
ReplyDeleteVincic had a great first half. Everything is under control... the players respect the referee, and that's the most important thing..
ReplyDeleteTypical Vinčić officiating: a mistake here or there that didn't affect the outcome, though nothing brilliant or praiseworthy. Just good and expected. His movement on the pitch and his handling of Argentine complaints were spot-on. A YC was missed in the 16’, and perhaps another could have been issued to Tagliafico for repeated fouls. He managed the game well!
ReplyDeleteHalf time, ok performance from Vincic nothing really special stands out
ReplyDeleteMuch expected rather
Guys, pls remember that none among us has refereed a WC Final. So, although every criticism can be considered as legitimate, let’s stay in a respectful framework and not be severe with no valid reasons.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteHow do you know none of us have refereed a WC final. Probably quite a few sitting on blogs calling out the mistakes
Delete@Referee1985: If it was so, welcome to him/them… or to you, if any 😉
DeleteWell there’s only 23 done it, one is on the park another in the tribune and half are probably refereeing in the heavenly la liga. Even those with a modicum of having officiated at a higher level know vincic has full control.
DeleteFirst error of the second half as he lets the half time break go on to long (I am half joking)
ReplyDeleteSubstitute JB was entertaining us
DeleteJust a word on Bastian Dankert:
ReplyDeleteEuro 2020 Final
Conference League 2021/22 Final
Europa League 2022/23 Final
UEFA Super Cup 2024 Final
Europa League 2024/25 Final
Club World Cup 2025 Final
Champions League 2025/26 Final
World Cup 2026 Final
Is he the most experienced and decorated VAR ever, so far? Is he likely to be the most decorated VAR in history? I can’t see anyone getting this amount of high-stake appointments, let alone beat it.
For sure he is the most decorated. It was very special that FIFA highlighted his achievements in the press article for the 1000th World Cup match. He is highly respected by all refereeing bodies
DeleteThats because he knows how to use the system in the right way and is very sharp and make the correct decisions quickly. FIFA should make him the main man for teaching officials from around the World
ReplyDeleteThats because he knows how to use the system in the right way and is very sharp and make the correct decisions quickly. FIFA should make him the main man for teaching officials from around the World
ReplyDeleteIn another forum, I just read a comment on the refereeing performance in the first half saying that even a man should visit the barber once a month, and that Slavko Vinčić's hairstyle was not fit for a final. 🤦🏼♂️
ReplyDelete😂
DeleteIf the biggest complaint about my officiating is my hairstyle, I'm doing a good job
ReplyDeleteGoal kick changed to corner by VAR?
ReplyDeleteWell managed confrontation
ReplyDeleteSecond yellow correct issued!
ReplyDeleteDark arts the end result chaos
ReplyDeleteThat could have been 3 times yellow. Screaming to the ref even after receiving his card.
ReplyDeleteHere you are. Paredes…
ReplyDeleteparedes 😂
ReplyDeleteI like that he gave the YC only to the actual offender there.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI agree. If a Spanish player also got booked it would have been a great injustice. Paredes more than deserved his yellow
DeleteVery impressed thus far
ReplyDeleteParedes case in a nutshell: three separate yellow-card offences — the reckless challenge from behind, the second act of aggression after the whistle, and the dissent towards the referee — yet only one caution shown. This perfectly reflects the excessive leniency allowed at this World Cup and the extraordinary tolerance Argentina have benefited from during the competition.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. That should have YC 2 for the push at the dead ball. I think he just missed the reckless challenge
DeleteI agree, many justifications for more than one YC. But I'm not sure in any final or major game more than one YC would be shown (and certainly never in this WC). But Paredes's behaviour was not good and he could have no complaints if he received more (although I'm sure he would have complained!)
DeleteThere's also generally the situation where the referee tells players to go away or not come closer but they ignore the instruction, without a yellow players will keep doing it.
DeleteCompletely agree with the context DB !
DeleteAgree!
DeleteIt looks like his aura disappeared for Argentina
ReplyDeleteThe spray 😂😂
ReplyDeleteI dont know but the 2 half vinic have bad movements
ReplyDelete❄️
ReplyDeleteWall 7-8m from the free kick? Yeah, not ideal on the PA line, but in this case it was waaay too close 🤷♂️
ReplyDeleteM8ssed foul in 62 min
ReplyDeleteMuch better since halftime
ReplyDelete???
DeleteHe neef to how some card to keep control
ReplyDeleteVery good advantage by twice by Vincic. Very good second half for slovenian referee.
ReplyDeleteTwice excellent advantage, and what I like, Spanish players fall very easy, he does not fail, two excellent no calls from Slavko!
ReplyDeleteNow is the critical time for Vincic. Is he strong enough now when Argentina starts to react more with protests, holdings at corner/feekicks????
ReplyDeleteArgentina looks like Mourinho's Roma
ReplyDeleteWill Paredes earn a second YC? And will it be shown?
ReplyDeleteJust called for his second foul after subbing in this half
DeleteNo
DeleteNo, even in Serie A he always played that way and was never sent off
DeleteA booking for dissent! Wonderful! (Well deserved too)
ReplyDeleteSomeone avoids a YC for a shove off the ball
ReplyDelete*Simeone
DeleteCucurella clearly stops to try and provoke a contact. Foul is enough
DeleteStop stop stop. Cucurella never « provoked » the contact. Clear intention by Simeone to push violently his opponent…
DeleteI do think Cucurella very clearly played for it, and because of that, Simeone rewarded that with a very strong shove (much stronger than necessary). In this WC, advantage and just play on, but in normal circumstances more than that
DeleteGo, go, go. Oh yes so Cucarella stopped and looked to see where Simeone was just to admire his face I'm sure. He knew Simeone was coming. It's never a YC
DeleteNow an excellent yellow.
ReplyDeleteExcellent there. Never a foul. Clear dissent. Very well done
ReplyDeleteWe are going to have a good laugh next season with the ‘normal’ referees who will be showing yellow cards for these pushes completely away from the action, and who will get slapped in amateur games because Sunday league players will have seen this kind of behaviour being allowed with no limits at the World Cup!
ReplyDeleteYeah agree a slap in the face 🤣
DeleteBy the way brilliant no foul and YC for dissent after.
ReplyDeleteStill extremely lenient with Argentina... Enzo gets a YC, claps sarcastically and doesn't get another, then stops a free kick from being taken quickly and again no YC.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a YC, you never get a 2nd one
I think that waving with yellow cards in the world cup final would be fantastic decision
DeleteAlso, clear and egregious YC not shown to Simeone for the push on Cucurella. What is this...
ReplyDeleteNever a YC, Cucurella was just looking for that and embellished it.
Delete1 added minute (hydration 3 mandatory) seems rather minimal
ReplyDeleteHow it’ s possible to have only 4 minutes with all substitutions and hydration break ?
ReplyDeleteIt's not...
DeleteCorrect 2YC. Well done
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. A stupid challenge, absolutely a YC, and the fact is first YC was for dissent, he only has himself to blame
Deleteclear red
ReplyDeleteExcellent second yellow. Disgraceful even to protest this.
ReplyDeleteWhat??? A secondYC!
ReplyDeleteHarsh 2yc
ReplyDeleteWhat did Vincic do to upset you? Nothing incidents where he doesn't issue a YC correctly you scream for a YC. A very clear and correct YC shown and you say it's not.
DeleteAll your comments are negative…I’m laughing!
DeleteWell earned 2nd YC, nothing to discuss at all.
ReplyDeleteBravo slavko, clear 2YC
ReplyDeleteExcellent 2YC. Immediately given without any hesitation. Very brave Vinčić.
ReplyDeleteBravo Slavko,top second yellow. Fabuolus decision!
ReplyDeleteAt last we get a brave man in the middle, thank you Vincic
ReplyDeleteVery good second YC for Enzo and now VAR check
Excellent second YC! Perfect Vincic!
ReplyDeleteCheap, horrible foul. Definitely a 2YC. Well done SV
ReplyDeleteVery good 2yc
ReplyDeleteThis kind of behaviour really makes me sick. Trying to attend te referee to a covered mouth.
ReplyDeleteMinute 95 replay. Messi told Vincic that Cucurella covered his mouth. No VAR review.
ReplyDeleteWhy would VAR review? Only in a fight this is reviewed.
DeleteBecause VAR review any situation where the opponent complained about covering the mouth.
DeleteHe did
DeleteTHANKS GOD mister Vincic !
ReplyDeleteVERY GOOD VINCIC
ReplyDelete2nd YC to Paredes missed! Shameful
ReplyDelete+1 he also deserved a second booking
DeleteA careless challenge for me. Not reckless. Not enough for a 2YC
DeleteDo we recon if Slavko is actually retiring after this then he legit doesn’t care about the silly rules from Collina?
ReplyDeleteVincic is restoring my faith in World Cup Refereeing 😂
DeleteGood Second Yellow for Enzo But first yellow was avoidable as refereeing at final game!
ReplyDeleteWhat ?
DeleteSorry,but nobody is crazy to let such reaction and killing the authority!
DeleteFab GX - not a chance. It's not a YC
ReplyDeleteIt's true, ARG has a license from FIFA to hack opponents.
DeleteVery good from Vincic so far
ReplyDeleteIn the first 39 minutes Slavko followed the high bar guidlines. From then on he has been true to the LoTG. Wonderful to see him not accepting the ARG dark arts.
ReplyDelete