FIFA names Slavko Vincic as referee for Brazil-Morocco World Cup opener

FIFA confirmed that Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic will officiate the opening match of the 2024 World Cup between Brazil and Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Vincic, who has previously refereed major tournaments such as the Champions League final, was detained in 2020 during a police operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina that targeted a drug, arms and prostitution network. He was released after being cleared as a witness and has since resumed his international refereeing career.

Alongside Vincic, the officiating team includes assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, with Sandro Schaerer as the fourth official and Stephane de Almeida as reserve. The appointment has sparked discussion about referee integrity and the criteria FIFA uses when selecting officials for high‑profile matches, given the lingering public memory of Vincic’s earlier controversy.