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FIFA has officially announced that Slavko Vincic will take charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, to be held in New Jersey on Sunday.

The 46-year-old Slovenian referee will lead an all-Slovenian officiating team at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic appointed as his assistant referees.

This marks Vincic’s second appearance at a World Cup, and the final will be his fourth assignment of the tournament after officiating two group stage matches and one knockout round clash.

Vincic previously officiated Brazil’s group stage draw against Morocco in Group C and the Group J matchup between Jordan and Algeria. He was also the referee for the round of 32 encounter between Mexico and Ecuador.

Across the competition, he has shown six yellow cards and notably sent off Piero Hincapie during stoppage time in Ecuador’s defeat in Mexico City. Four years ago, Vincic was in charge of Argentina’s loss to Saudi Arabia.

The Slovenian official brings extensive experience to the role, having refereed at four major international tournaments. His résumé includes officiating the 2022 UEFA Europa League final and the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Upon being informed during a referees’ meeting that he would officiate the final in East Rutherford, Vincic reportedly became emotional, embracing his colleagues as the news sank in.

Speaking about the appointment, Vincic said, “At first, I was shocked. Then came happiness. I was trembling—it’s an incredible honour to be given the World Cup final.”

He continued, “It’s something that every referee dreams of when they start out. I’m extremely proud—of myself, of my team. It’s hard to describe the feeling, but representing my country, Slovenia, in the biggest sporting event in the world fills me with pride. My team feels the same, and we’ll give our best performance.”

Vincic is among the most seasoned referees at this World Cup, with considerable experience in senior international football. He joined FIFA’s international list in 2010 and made his major tournament debut as an assistant referee at the 2012 European Championship in Poland and Ukraine.

Earlier this year, he officiated the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, where he booked three players from the Spanish side and sent off both Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler.

Vincic also oversaw Sweden’s World Cup qualification play-off victory over Poland, issuing a total of five yellow cards, and now makes history as the first Slovenian referee to officiate a World Cup final.