Watch: Slovenian referee moved to tears after World Cup final appointment

Being part of a FIFA World Cup final is an emotional moment for the players involved as they step on to represent their countries on the grandest stage of them all. And when it comes to the referees, Slovenia's Slavko Vincic has shown it is the same for them as well.Vincic was selected as the main referee for the summit clash between Argentina and Spain in New York on Sunday, July 19 alongside compatriots Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, who will serve as the assistant referees.As soon as the announcement was made public in front of the referee contingent, Vincic struggled to hold back his tears and was quickly congratulated by the rest.You can see the full video below: FIFA WORLD CUP FINAL: REFEREE LINE-UPReferee: Slavko VincicAssistant Referee 1: Tomaz KlancnikAssistant Referee 2: Andraz KovacicFourth Official: Adham MakhadmehReserve Assistant Referee: Mohammad AlkalafVINCIC'S REFEREEING CAREER SO FARSlavko Vincic is among UEFA's most experienced referees, having been a FIFA-listed official since 2010. Over the years, he has overseen several marquee fixtures, including the 2024 UEFA Champions League final. At the international level, he handled two matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has already taken charge of three games at the ongoing edition.His latest assignment at the tournament came on July 1, when Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0 in the Round of 32. The fiercely contested encounter produced multiple bookings, with Ecuador's Piero Hincapie receiving a straight red card after breaching FIFA regulations by covering his mouth while confronting Mexico striker Santiago Gimenez. Klancnik and Kovacic have formed a long-standing officiating partnership, working together on the international circuit for more than 10 years. They will once again join Vincic's team, while experienced Jordanian official Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed as the fourth official. Fellow Jordanian Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as the reserve assistant referee for the showpiece clash.FIFA World Cup | FIFA World Cup Schedule | FIFA World Cup Points Table | Football News - EndsPublished On: Jul 17, 2026 10:21 IST