Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has announced his retirement from professional refereeing after officiating the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, bringing an outstanding international career to a close. The 46-year-old ended his final season on a high, with the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) naming him the Best Referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In Italy, he was also honoured with the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award, recognizing his contribution to football officiating.&nbsp;Vincic made his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he officiated two matches. He was assigned three more fixtures during the 2026 edition, including the World Cup final, taking his overall tally to six World Cup matches. One of the defining moments of his career came in 2024 when he refereed the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, one of the highest honours for a European referee. Over the years, Vincic also took charge of matches in the UEFA European Championship, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League and the FIFA Club World Cup.&nbsp;Born in Maribor on November 25, 1979, Vincic steadily rose through the ranks of European football officiating. He served as the sixth referee during UEFA Euro 2012 and was part of the Slovenian refereeing team that officiated the quarter-final between Greece and Germany. In 2013, he officiated at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Slovakia, where he progressed to the semi-finals. Two years later, he made his debut in the knockout rounds of European club competitions by refereeing the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash between Guingamp and Dynamo Kyiv.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/esha-singh-wins-gold-manu-bhaker-bags-bronze-in-issf-world-cup-25m-pistol-in-hangzhou-1785143223502">Esha Singh wins Gold, Manu Bhaker bags Bronze in ISSF World Cup 25m pistol in Hangzhou</a>&nbsp;During UEFA Euro 2016, Vincic again served as the sixth referee with the Slovenian officiating team led by Damir Skomina. Later that year, he made his UEFA Champions League refereeing debut in the group-stage encounter between Manchester City and Celtic. His consistent performances earned him regular Champions League appointments, and by the end of 2019 he had been promoted to UEFA's elite group of referees.&nbsp;Vincic's international experience also included the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India in 2017, the UEFA Under-21 European Championship in Poland and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019 before making his senior FIFA World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022.At the Qatar World Cup, he officiated Argentina's shock group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia, beginning a World Cup journey that culminated in the honour of refereeing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.&nbsp;Across European club football's top competitions, Vincic refereed 72 matches in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, with the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund standing out as one of the crowning moments of his career. With his retirement, football bids farewell to one of the most respected referees of the modern era, whose career featured appointments at the biggest tournaments and finals in world football.

FIFA World Cup 2026 final referee Slavko Vincic has announced his retirement after an illustrious career that included the UEFA Champions League final and six World Cup matches

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has announced his retirement from professional refereeing after officiating the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina, bringing an outstanding international career to a close. The 46-year-old ended his final season on a high, with the International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS) naming him the Best Referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026. In Italy, he was also honoured with the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award, recognizing his contribution to football officiating. Vincic made his FIFA World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where he officiated two matches. He was assigned three more fixtures during the 2026 edition, including the World Cup final, taking his overall tally to six World Cup matches. One of the defining moments of his career came in 2024 when he refereed the UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium, one of the highest honours for a European referee. Over the years, Vincic also took charge of matches in the UEFA European Championship, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Nations League and the FIFA Club World Cup. Born in Maribor on November 25, 1979, Vincic steadily rose through the ranks of European football officiating. He served as the sixth referee during UEFA Euro 2012 and was part of the Slovenian refereeing team that officiated the quarter-final between Greece and Germany. In 2013, he officiated at the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Slovakia, where he progressed to the semi-finals. Two years later, he made his debut in the knockout rounds of European club competitions by refereeing the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 clash between Guingamp and Dynamo Kyiv. Also Read: Esha Singh wins Gold, Manu Bhaker bags Bronze in ISSF World Cup 25m pistol in Hangzhou During UEFA Euro 2016, Vincic again served as the sixth referee with the Slovenian officiating team led by Damir Skomina. Later that year, he made his UEFA Champions League refereeing debut in the group-stage encounter between Manchester City and Celtic. His consistent performances earned him regular Champions League appointments, and by the end of 2019 he had been promoted to UEFA's elite group of referees. Vincic's international experience also included the FIFA U-17 World Cup in India in 2017, the UEFA Under-21 European Championship in Poland and the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2019 before making his senior FIFA World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022. At the Qatar World Cup, he officiated Argentina's shock group-stage defeat to Saudi Arabia, beginning a World Cup journey that culminated in the honour of refereeing the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Across European club football's top competitions, Vincic refereed 72 matches in the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, with the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund standing out as one of the crowning moments of his career. With his retirement, football bids farewell to one of the most respected referees of the modern era, whose career featured appointments at the biggest tournaments and finals in world football.

Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic has retired after officiating the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, ending a distinguished international career

The Slovenian referee, Slavko Vincic, who officiated the FIFA World Cup 2026 final announces retirement

Spain’s FIFA World Cup victory over Argentina sparked celebrations so massive that scientists detected measurable seismic activity across the country. According to Spain’s National Geographic Institute, ground vibrations were recorded in several cities, including Barcelona, Cádiz, and Granada. Researchers identified major seismic spikes during the winning goal, the trophy ceremony, and the final whistle, highlighting the extraordinary scale of the nationwide celebrations.

Spain’s World Cup Victory over Argentina triggers seismic vibrations across the country


Spain enters the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final on a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run, boasting the tournament's best defensive record. But standing in their way is Lionel Messi, who hopes to end his international career with another World Cup title. Can Spain's disciplined defense and captain Rodri stop the Argentine legend in football's biggest match?

Spain vs Argentina: Can Rodri Stop Lionel Messi in the Final? | Wion News 

As India gears up for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has thanked Zee TV for promoting football across the country. From nationwide watch parties to youth football initiatives, India's passion for the beautiful game continues to grow as millions prepare for the biggest match in world football.

World Cup 2026 Final | Gianni Infantino Praises Zee TV for Promoting Football Across India

Excitement is reaching fever pitch in Argentina as fans in Lionel Messi's hometown of Rosario unveiled a giant jersey in tribute to the football legend ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain. Thousands gathered to celebrate Messi as Argentina prepares for one of the biggest matches in football history.

Argentina Fans Unveil Giant Messi Jersey Before FIFA World Cup Final Against Spain


The FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race will be decided in the final as Kylian Mbappé leads the scoring charts after his brace against England in the third-place playoff. Lionel Messi now faces a daunting challenge, needing at least two goals against Spain to draw level and potentially win the Golden Boot on assists. The final could also reshape the all-time World Cup scoring record.

Mbappé one step away from historic Golden Boot record | Messi faces must-win scoring challenge

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain is being viewed as more than just a football showdown. While both teams compete for the biggest prize in football, the final has also drawn political attention due to the contrasting positions of both nations on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Argentina’s President Javier Milei has strengthened ties with Israel and received public support from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the final. Meanwhile, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of Europe’s strongest critics of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and has supported Palestinian statehood.

Argentina, Spain battle for World Cup Glory amid global political divide | Argentina vs Spain

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly declared his support for Argentina ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final against Spain. During a meeting with Argentina's ambassador to Israel, Netanyahu received an official Argentina football jersey along with a message from Argentine President Javier Milei reaffirming his support for the national team. Netanyahu praised Milei for strengthening relations between Israel and Argentina, calling the South American nation one of Israel's closest friends. His endorsement adds a political dimension to the highly anticipated World Cup final, where Lionel Messi will lead Argentina in pursuit of another historic title.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu supports Argentina before the FIFA World Cup final against Spain

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team must “bring out best version” if they want to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Monday (IST) in New Jersey.Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are chasing a second straight World Cup title, while European champions Spain are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010. Speaking before the final, Scaloni said that Argentina have prepared in the same way they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on playing their best football.&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that although other teams know Argentina well, reaching another World Cup final is a credit to the squad and they will give everything to win.&nbsp;“We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyze the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final,” he said during the pre-match press conference.&nbsp;Scaloni also confirmed that all of his players are fit ahead of the title clash, with the team’s final training session expected to play an important role. He said both Argentina and Spain like to control possession and have similar styles, with only a few tactical differences.&nbsp;“Tomorrow’s training will be an important one, but in principle, all the players are doing well. We are two teams that base everything on the ball. The patterns of play, it’s clear, revolve around the ball, with some nuances, but we think similarly in that regard,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-what-do-i-know-us-president-trump-calls-out-england-coach-tuchel-s-tactics-in-semis-vs-argentina-1784348747537">FIFA 2026 | Trump calls out England coach Tuchel's tactics in semis vs Argentina</a>&nbsp;The Argentina coach revealed that his staff have been studying all possible World Cup opponents since Dec and not just Spain. He added that both teams know each other well and felt too much analysis can sometimes do more harm than good.&nbsp;“We’ve been analyzing the possible World Cup opponents since December; it’s not that we’ve analyzed Spain more than any other. Overanalysis isn’t good either. We’re national teams that know each other,” he said.

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026 live on Zee5

Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2026-us-defends-argentina-for-displaying-malvinas-banner-after-england-win-1784362771340">FIFA 2026 | US defends Argentina for Falkland banner after England win</a>&nbsp;Scaloni also praised Messi for reaching another World Cup final at the age of 39, calling it a remarkable achievement and saying the legendary captain deserves great appreciation.&nbsp;“Having been able to reach a final the way Leo has, at the moment he’s in, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to value what he does and the story and the legend that he is, and this group of players that have led us to wonderful years,” he said.&nbsp;He also thanked the Argentina squad for maintaining such a high standard over the years and said their journey has been inspiring, while hoping they can finish it by lifting another World Cup trophy.&nbsp;“Eternal gratitude from the coaching staff to these players. It’s not easy to compete at this level for so many years; it’s something wonderful. Hopefully we win, but the journey has been incredible and an example for everyone,” he said.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his team must produce its best performance to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which will be played on Monday (IST) in New Jersey.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team must “bring out best version” if they want to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Monday (IST) in New Jersey. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, are chasing a second straight World Cup title, while European champions Spain are aiming to lift the trophy for the first time since 2010. Speaking before the final, Scaloni said that Argentina have prepared in the same way they do for every match by studying their opponents and focusing on playing their best football. He added that although other teams know Argentina well, reaching another World Cup final is a credit to the squad and they will give everything to win. “We prepare just like in every match, with a lot of desire for things to go well for us, with a willingness to analyze the opponent. We need to bring out our best version to try to win. I think we’re doing well, beyond things we can always improve. We’re a team that’s already well-known by our rivals, and that’s why it has double merit to have reached where we have. We’ll try to win the final,” he said during the pre-match press conference. Scaloni also confirmed that all of his players are fit ahead of the title clash, with the team’s final training session expected to play an important role. He said both Argentina and Spain like to control possession and have similar styles, with only a few tactical differences. “Tomorrow’s training will be an important one, but in principle, all the players are doing well. We are two teams that base everything on the ball. The patterns of play, it’s clear, revolve around the ball, with some nuances, but we think similarly in that regard,” he said. Also Read - FIFA 2026 | Trump calls out England coach Tuchel's tactics in semis vs Argentina The Argentina coach revealed that his staff have been studying all possible World Cup opponents since Dec and not just Spain. He added that both teams know each other well and felt too much analysis can sometimes do more harm than good. “We’ve been analyzing the possible World Cup opponents since December; it’s not that we’ve analyzed Spain more than any other. Overanalysis isn’t good either. We’re national teams that know each other,” he said.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said his team must produce its best performance to beat Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, which will be played on Monday (IST) in New Jersey.

FIFA World Cup 2026: 'We need to bring out our best version,' says Argentina coach ahead of Spain final

Agustin Mazzilli and Gonzalo Peillat scored a brace each but Olympic champions Argentina were made to dig deep to eke out a 4-3 win over Spain in their Pool A match of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/hockey-world-cup">hockey World Cup </a>here Thursday.&nbsp;

Six places may separate the two teams in world rankings but world number eight Spain gave Argentina, ranked second, a run for their money in the high-scoring match that produced end-to-end hockey.&nbsp;

The Los Leones had to dish out every trick from their arsenal to get the better of a fighting Spanish side, which matched their rivals in every department throughout.&nbsp;

Spain stunned the Argentines as early as in the third minute through young Enrique Gonzalez's fine field strike past Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi from a move which he only initiated.&nbsp;

But a minute later, Mazzilli drew level for Argentina, deflecting in a cross from the right wing past Spain's goalkeeper Quico Cortes.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mens-hockey-world-cup-2018-schedule-squad-time-and-venue-177870">Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venu</a>

Spain restored their lead in the 14th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Josep Romeu.&nbsp;

It was end-to-end battle as Mazzilli (15th minute) again came to Argentina's rescue, equalising 45 seconds from the first quarter after receiving a pass from Lucas Villa on the left side.&nbsp;

Just seconds away from the first break of the match, Argentina scored again when drag-flick specialist Peillat converted a penalty corner with precision to hand his side the lead for the first time in the game.&nbsp;

Both the teams played with same intensity and pace in the second quarter but failed to find the net.

As it happened | <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/live-hockey-world-cup-2018-argentina-vs-spain-180232">Argentina 4-3 Spain</a>

Five minutes after the change of ends, Spain equalised through Vicenc Ruiz's (35th) field strike.&nbsp;

The match went on similar lines in the fourth and final quarter with both Argentina and Spain pressing hard for more goals to secure full three points.&nbsp;

But it were the Argentines who succeeded in their effort when Peillatwas was again bang on target from another penalty corner in the 49th minute.&nbsp;

Thereafter, Spain dished out all the tricks, including withdrawing their goalkeeper for an extra player four minutes from the final hooter, but failed to breach the Argentina defence.&nbsp;

Argentina will play New Zealand in their next pool match on December 3, while Spain will be up against France.&nbsp;

Agustin Mazzilli and Gonzalo Peillat scored a brace each but Olympic champions Argentina were made to dig deep to eke out a 4-3 win over Spain in their Pool A match of the hockey World Cup here Thursday.

Agustin Mazzilli and Gonzalo Peillat scored a brace each but Olympic champions Argentina were made to dig deep to eke out a 4-3 win over Spain in their Pool A match of the hockey World Cup here Thursday. Six places may separate the two teams in world rankings but world number eight Spain gave Argentina, ranked second, a run for their money in the high-scoring match that produced end-to-end hockey. The Los Leones had to dish out every trick from their arsenal to get the better of a fighting Spanish side, which matched their rivals in every department throughout. Spain stunned the Argentines as early as in the third minute through young Enrique Gonzalez's fine field strike past Argentina goalkeeper Juan Vivaldi from a move which he only initiated. But a minute later, Mazzilli drew level for Argentina, deflecting in a cross from the right wing past Spain's goalkeeper Quico Cortes. Also Read | Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: Schedule, Squad, Time and Venu Spain restored their lead in the 14th minute through a penalty corner conversion by Josep Romeu. It was end-to-end battle as Mazzilli (15th minute) again came to Argentina's rescue, equalising 45 seconds from the first quarter after receiving a pass from Lucas Villa on the left side. Just seconds away from the first break of the match, Argentina scored again when drag-flick specialist Peillat converted a penalty corner with precision to hand his side the lead for the first time in the game. Both the teams played with same intensity and pace in the second quarter but failed to find the net. As it happened | Argentina 4-3 Spain Five minutes after the change of ends, Spain equalised through Vicenc Ruiz's (35th) field strike. The match went on similar lines in the fourth and final quarter with both Argentina and Spain pressing hard for more goals to secure full three points. But it were the Argentines who succeeded in their effort when Peillatwas was again bang on target from another penalty corner in the 49th minute. Thereafter, Spain dished out all the tricks, including withdrawing their goalkeeper for an extra player four minutes from the final hooter, but failed to breach the Argentina defence. Argentina will play New Zealand in their next pool match on December 3, while Spain will be up against France.

Olympic champions Argentina defeat Spain 4-3