Wednesday, 1 July 2026

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 79: Mexico - Ecuador (discussion)

Slavko Vinčić about to officiate a potentially hot Round of 32 game, Mexico - Ecuador. It will be his third appearance at 2026 World Cup. 



Match #79
Round of 32
1 July 2026, 03:00 CET
Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
MEXICO - ECUADOR 
Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN
Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN
Assistant Referee 2: Andraž Kovačič SVN
Fourth Official:  Mustapha Ghorbal ALG
Reserve AR: Mokrane Gourari ALG 
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Willy Delajod FRA 
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Mahmoud Ashour EGY 

32 comments:

  1. No sanctions for that at 20’ is absurd. Complete and total insanity.

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    1. For the foul or reaction?

      The foul, absolutely not. Jimenez launches himself around the Ecuador player completely off balance and leaves his feet of his own choice. Foul call is fine, but no chance it’s anything more.

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    2. No not for the foul, it’s a careless foul. I mean for the reaction by the players and benches. Every single person from the technical area sprinted up to the touch line screaming and waving their arms. Looks absolutely terrible.

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    3. It was not even a foul. He thinks about the circus about it… all the mexican bench is on the line… also the players on field running at Vincic… shouting and making harsh gestures… no one even got a card…

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    4. Just making sure, cuz that was an absolute nothing foul (if it even was one) and that reaction was utterly ridiculous.

      I don’t think the lack of a card will be detrimental going forward, but I do agree someone should’ve seen card on that.

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    5. A card? With the FIFA philosophy at this tournament? I would have much rather have seen some better player management.

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    6. In a UEFA competition at least one person from each bench would’ve been sent off. Maybe not if it was Vincic refereeing though…

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    7. That’s fair, but a simple foul at midfield turned into a minute plus of yelling and player management because of the ridiculous overreaction. That’s a perfect opportunity to shut all that nonsense down with a card. Not 100% necessary, I just think that reaction deserves 1 to someone

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    8. Important to also consider the atmosphere here, very high energy charged home atmosphere and must also consider this in terms of the response of the Mexico bench/staff

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  2. Great onside decision by ar1 for goal in 22

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  3. That is exactly what Collina wants for game management. A bit of drama from the Mexican player not bought by the referee.

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  4. Very well handled situation at 20'

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    1. Well handled? Do we just not give misconduct to occupants of the technical area anymore? Laws be gone?

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    2. Massive overreaction by both benches

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    3. Crazy overreaction. Has to be dealt with very harshly.

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    4. He successfuly deescalated potentially heated situation. I think harsher or stricter approach would on contrary fueled more tension and nervousness

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  5. He has their buy in, even to the extent of his apology for the early whistle

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  6. Unfortunate obstruction of play from the referee on 22 minutes.

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  7. Missed caution very clear reckless 30’

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  8. This game is Toughest to ref so far this would cup! All emotions are out and intensity and speed which game is going is unbelievable! Slavko Vinčić Deserved applause they he handled so far without card

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    1. I will never understand praising a referee for “managing” clear misconduct without issuing a card. I’m beating a dead horse complaining about the lack of misconduct being given in this World Cup but I will never defend ignoring the laws.

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  9. Replies
    1. Softer than the one at 30’ by Valencia

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  10. Replies
    1. If you look at the ECU player's face on the replay, he intended the hard foul

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  11. Very good first half, but as we say, soccer is a game of two halves.

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  12. Then right before the end he had great chance to shoe YC to even things with Gallardo's foul.

    But we can all agree that tough 2nd half for sure will be.

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  13. As someone who is not Vinčić's greatest fan, I must say that his overall performance in first half was admirable, despite my disagreement with his decisions in two YC situations.

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    1. I’m not his biggest fan either - he’s having an excellent world cup and looks favourite for the final currently

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    2. What would you put your percentage of the final being officiated by a UEFA ref versus any other confederation?

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