(foto: Getty Images)
Slavko Vinčić has officially retired from refereeing just days after taking charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
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Slavko Vinčić has officially brought the curtain down on one of the greatest refereeing careers in football history. Just days after officiating the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the Slovenian referee announced his retirement.
For Vinčić, there could hardly have been a more fitting farewell. Appointed by FIFA to referee the biggest match in world football, the 46-year-old chose the World Cup final in the United States as the final match of his distinguished career.
The Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) confirmed the decision in an official statement.
"One week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vinčić officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world," the association announced.
Vinčić's farewell became even more special after the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the Best Referee of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His international refereeing journey began in 2010, when he joined FIFA's list of elite officials. He made his debut at a major tournament during UEFA Euro 2012 before becoming one of the most respected referees in both European and world football.
During his remarkable career, Vinčić officiated some of the sport's biggest occasions, including the 2022 UEFA Europa League final, the 2024 UEFA Champions League final and, ultimately, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, the highest honour any referee can receive.
Away from football, Vinčić has successfully managed his own private business for many years. Following his retirement, he plans to devote his full attention to that work after more than a decade of travelling the world as one of FIFA's leading referees.
With his final whistle now blown, Vinčić leaves behind a career that few referees have matched. Finishing on the stage of a World Cup final ensures his place among the greatest officials the game has ever known.