Spain Vs Argentina Final: FIFA Announces Match Officials Ahead Of Historic Showdown

FIFA has appointed Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić to officiate the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

According to Ireporter Online, the world football governing body announced the officiating crew through its official account on Friday, July 17, ahead of the grand finale scheduled to take place in the United States on Sunday.

Vinčić will be supported by compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, who will serve as the first and second assistant referees respectively. Jordanian official Adham Makhadmeh has been selected as the fourth referee, while Mohammad Alkalaf will take the role of reserve assistant referee.

The decisive encounter will be staged at the 80,663-seat New York New Jersey Stadium, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. local time, which translates to 8:00 p.m. Nigerian time.

Spain booked their place in the final after overcoming France in the semi-final, while reigning champions Argentina secured their spot following victories over Egypt, Switzerland, and England during the knockout rounds.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi will lead his team’s charge as they aim to retain the trophy they won at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

For Spain, the final presents an opportunity to claim their second World Cup title after their historic triumph at the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

The encounter will also mark the first-ever World Cup final under FIFA’s expanded format, following the increase in participating teams from 32 to 48 nations in the 2026 edition of the competition.