Argentina bids farewell to a historic referee after the 2026 World Cup final

Slavko Vincic, the referee who officiated the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, announced his retirement just a week after the most important match of his career. The Slovenian, who sent off Enzo Fernández in that game, retires after establishing himself as one of the greatest referees in history. Last result: Spain 1-0 Argentina (2026-07-19).

Who was Slavko Vincic and why is his retirement historic?

Vincic, 43, began his international career in 2010 and became the first Slovenian referee to officiate a World Cup final. Among his achievements are the 2022 Europa League final (Eintracht Frankfurt vs Glasgow Rangers) and the 2024 Champions League final (Real Madrid vs Borussia Dortmund), where he was named the second-best referee in the world by the IFFHS.

Vincic's legacy with Argentina: two losses in consecutive World Cups

Under Lionel Scaloni, Argentina faced Vincic in two key matches: the 2022 Qatar World Cup opener (2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia) and the 2026 final (1-0 defeat to Spain in extra time). While his retirement closes a chapter, his impact on the team remains memorable.

What's next for Argentina after the final and Vincic's retirement?

With a recent record of 4 wins, 0 draws, and 1 loss (LWWWW), the Albiceleste looks ahead. Despite the bitter taste of the final against Spain, the team remains a global powerhouse. Vincic's retirement marks the end of an era, but Argentina is already focused on its next challenge.