Slovenian Vincic to Referee World Cup Final; Wilton Sampaio Overlooked

Slovenian Slavko Vincic will referee the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. FIFA confirmed the decision on Wednesday, July 16, for the match scheduled Sunday, July 19, at 4 p.m. Brasília time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Vincic, 46, will be assisted by compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, with Jordanians Adham Makhadmeh and Mohammad Alkalaf on VAR. The selection ends speculation that had included a Brazilian candidate: Wilton Pereira Sampaio was among the contenders but ultimately was not chosen.

The new referee for the decider has already made his mark on the tournament. He officiated three matches: Brazil's opening game against Morocco, Jordan vs. Algeria, and Mexico vs. Ecuador, showing only one red card. That solid track record earned him the most important match on the planet.

In Vincic's background, a 2020 episode is drawing renewed attention. According to Lance!, he was brought in by police in Bijeljina, Bosnia, during an anti-trafficking operation. He was questioned as a witness and was not among those arrested – a fact he carries without any implication of guilt.

The final pits two powerhouses against each other: Spain's Lamine Yamal and Pedri, and Argentina's Lionel Messi in his last World Cup. The match marks the end of a historic tournament, and Vincic will be responsible for overseeing the spectacle on the field.

The game will be broadcast live in Brazil on TV Globo, SporTV, and CazéTV starting at 4 p.m.