FIFA names Slavko Vincic referee for 2026 World Cup final

FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic to officiate the 2026 World Cup final between defending champion Argentina and Spain this Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The announcement, made on July 17, has sparked significant controversy among fans, who have questioned both the choice of a European official for a final featuring a European team and Vincic's past involvement in a high-profile off-field incident.

Vincic will be assisted by his compatriots, Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic. The fourth official will be Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh, with Mohammad Alkalaf as the reserve assistant referee. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's head of refereeing, announced the appointment, stating that it was "absolutely great" that Vincic would take charge of the final.

The selection has drawn widespread criticism on social media. Many supporters expressed disbelief, citing Vincic's performance in a contentious UEFA playoff match between Sweden and Poland, a result that eliminated Poland from World Cup qualification. Others argued that the referee should ideally come from a confederation not represented in the final, suggesting an official from Asia or Africa would have been...