Referee Slavko Vincic labels officiating World Cup final 'incredible honour'

Spain and Argentina will contest the first-ever men's World Cup final between two continental champions as they clash at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday evening.

Vincic will officiate the World Cup final alongside assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, making history as the first-ever referee from Slovenia to take charge of the landmark fixture.

Ahead of the clash this weekend, FIFA released a video of Vincic being told he was to officiate the game as he immediately held his head in his hands and began to cry in what was an emotional moment. 

Vincic, 46, is considered one of Europe's most experienced officials. After becoming a FIFA international referee in 2010, he refereed at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before taking charge of the UEFA Champions League final in 2024 between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid.

Speaking on the honour of taking charge of the biggest game in world football, he said he was absolutely over the moon. 

"So, first of all, a shock. Then happiness. I was shaking, so it’s an incredible honour to get the World Cup final," said Vincic, who was in tears upon hearing the news.

"It’s something that… it’s only a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start. So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.

"It’s very difficult to put everything into words, but I’m very proud to represent my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world. So, yeah, I’m very proud. My team is very proud, and we will do our best."

Vincic made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022, with his first match being Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia, a result the side will not want to repeat on Sunday.