What to Know About Referee Slavko Vincic for World Cup Final

Sunday's World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina will feature some of the biggest stars on the planet, including Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal.

But who will be officiating?

FIFA has appointed Slavko Vincic for the gig alongside assistants Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, fourth official Adham Makhadmeh and reserve assistant Mohammad Al-Kalaf.

"So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it's an incredible honour to get the World Cup final," Vincic told reporters when he learned he was appointed for the final. "It's something that... it's only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I'm very proud, very proud of myself, my team. It's very difficult to put everything into words, but I'm very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world. So, yeah, I'm very proud. My team is very proud and we will do our best."

Vinic officiates for the Slovenian PrvaLiga, the country's top flight league. He's also officiated 72 Champions League and Europa League matches, including the 2022 Europa League final and 2024 Champions League final.

Additionally, he's reffed at a pair of Euros and two World Cups. At this year's World Cup he officiated Brazil vs. Morocco and Jordan vs. Algeria in the group stage and Mexico vs. Ecuador in the Round of 32. In the latter match he sent off Ecuador's Piero Hincapié on a red card after the defender covered his mouth while speaking to Santiago Giménez on the pitch.

He'll be the 23rd person to officiate a FIFA World Cup final and the first Slovenian.

"So, refereeing is all about teamwork. So, without them, without Tomaž and Andraž, this is not possible," Vinic told reporters. "I'm really happy that I have had them throughout my career, throughout our careers. We are really good friends, a good team, and thanks to them."