World Cup final Referee Slavko Vincic announces retirement at 46

Slavko Vincic has retired from refereeing days after taking charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has announced his retirement from professional officiating, bringing the curtain down on a career that ended with the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

The 46-year-old’s final assignment came in Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory, a match that later drew scrutiny over his handling of Argentina’s physical approach and the post-match disorder.

The Slovenian Football Association confirmed Vincic’s decision, describing the World Cup final as the fitting conclusion to a historic career. During the tournament, he officiated four matches and became the first Slovenian referee to oversee a World Cup final.

His career also included the 2024 UEFA Champions League final and the 2022 Europa League final.

FIFA is continuing its investigation into the clashes that followed the World Cup final, while Vincic exits the game with several individual honours, including recognition as the tournament’s best referee by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS).

The Independent first reported his retirement following the Slovenian FA’s confirmation.