2026 World Cup: Final referee announces retirement

Slavko Vincic has officially retired

World Cup 2026 27 July 2026 at 09:34

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2026 World Cup: Final referee announces retirement

At the helm of the 2026 World Cup final, which saw Spain edge out Argentina (1-0 after extra time), Slavko Vincic reached the pinnacle of a truly remarkable career.

The Slovenian referee, just 46 years old, has decided to hang up his whistle after a match that will be remembered around the globe.

🚨JUST IN: The referee who officiated the 2026 World Cup final has just announced his retirement

The Slovenian Football Association has confirmed Slavko Vinčić has formally ended his career pic.twitter.com/WuZ8qlqVlJ
— Polymarket Sports (@PolymarketSport) July 27, 2026

After a stellar career that included appearances at the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, Slavko Vincic also took charge of 50 Champions League matches, including the 2024 final where Real Madrid triumphed over Borussia Dortmund.

The ultimate flex for a referee: Slavko Vincic 🇸🇮 retires right after officiating the 2026 WORLD CUP FINAL! 😎

Remember, the Slovenian was in tears when FIFA announced his appointment.

Now we understand his emotions even more… pic.twitter.com/QA6TwvZcr6
— Footballogue (@Footballogue) July 27, 2026

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.