Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where Spain and Argentina will battle for football's biggest prize.

While the appointment itself is a landmark moment in the Slovenian referee's career, it was his heartfelt reaction that quickly captured the attention of the football world.

Vinčić was gathered with fellow match officials when FIFA announced the referee for the final. As soon as his name was revealed, the experienced official was overcome with emotion and broke down in tears, reflecting the significance of the moment after years at the highest level of the game.

Fighting back tears, Slavko Vinčić embraced his assistant referees, Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, who will join him on the touchlines for football's biggest match.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina is scheduled to take place in New York on 19 July.

🚨🇸🇮 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Slavko Vinčić will referee the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. ✅

He was very emotional after finding out he was chosen to officiate the match. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/67hM10DAX2

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) July 17, 2026