Slovenian Referee Slavko Vinčić Retires After Officiating 2026 World Cup Final

Slavko Vinčić, the Slovenian referee who supervised the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, announced his retirement from active refereeing. In interviews given after the match, Vinčić said the game’s pressure was greater than any he had experienced and praised the preparation of his officiating team. He described Lionel Messi’s conduct as fully sporting, noting that the Argentine captain accepted his decisions and behaved with class. Vinčić also emphasized the indispensable role of VAR technology, stating that modern football’s speed makes video assistance essential for correct decisions. He reflected on the honor of representing Slovenia on the sport’s biggest stage and expressed pride in both the national refereeing organization and the broader Slovenian football community.