Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has announced his immediate retirement from professional football officiating, just over a week after taking charge of the 2026 World Cup final.
The 46-year-old official made the decision on July 27, 2026, citing a sense of full career accomplishment after officiating the global showpiece match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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World Cup Final Decisions
The high-stakes final ended in a 1-0 victory for Spain following an extra-time goal by Ferran Torres. Vincic issued multiple cards during the intense contest.
Key decisions generated significant post-match debate, including a red card to Argentine midfielder Enzo Fernandez for a tackle on Pau Cubarsi.
Vincic also disallowed a goal from Nico Williams after ruling that Mikel Merino stepped on Nicolas Otamendi's toe.
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Several aggressive tackles by Alexis Mac Allister went unpunished, prompting discontent among Argentine supporters who launched a petition demanding a replay.
Earlier in the 2026 tournament, FIFA assigned Vincic to officiate group-stage fixtures featuring Brazil against Morocco and Mexico against Ecuador.
Hailing from Maribor, Vincic joined the FIFA international referees list in 2010 and established himself in major European club competitions.
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His portfolio includes the 2022 Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers FC, as well as the 2024 Champions League final between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.
