World Cup Final Referee Slavko Vinčić Announces Retirement at 46

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has officially announced his retirement from officiating, just one week after taking charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The Slovenian Football Association (NZS) confirmed that the 46-year-old has brought his professional career to a close after overseeing the biggest match of his life between Spain and Argentina.

Career Peak at the World Cup

Vinčić became the first Slovenian referee to take charge of a men’s World Cup final when he officiated the decisive match in East Rutherford. Spain emerged victorious after extra time.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) subsequently named him the best referee of the 2026 World Cup, while he also received the prestigious Giulio Campanati award in Italy for his performances at the tournament.

Distinguished Career

Born in Maribor on 25 November 1979, Vinčić joined the FIFA international list in 2010. His career highlights include:

• The 2024 UEFA Champions League final (Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund)
• The 2022 UEFA Europa League final (Eintracht Frankfurt vs Rangers)
• Multiple matches at UEFA European Championships

The NZS stated that by officiating the World Cup final, Vinčić “cemented his status as one of the greatest referees in soccer history.”

His decision brings an end to more than 15 years at the highest level of international refereeing.