The biggest game in football is upon us as Spain and Argentina meet in the World Cup final.
A meeting between the current European champions and reigning world champions means one nation will make history in New Jersey on Sunday evening.
For Spain, they are bidding for a second Euros and World Cup double, 16 years on from achieving the feat.
La Roja caused somewhat of an upset to reach their second ever World Cup final, beating pre-tournaments favourites France 2-0 in a very impressive semi-final performance in Dallas on Tuesday.
Argentina, meanwhile, broke English hearts with two late goals to emerge victorious in their semi-final, reaching a second successive World Cup final in the process.
As such, the holders are seeking to become only the third nation ever to win back-to-back World Cups, following the Italy team of 1934 and 1938, and the great Brazil outfit of 1958 and 1962.
Spain and Argentina have a long - and perhaps friendly - history, though they’ve only met twice in September 2010, trading 4-1 and 6-1 wins respectively.
Of course, the ultimate prize is lifting the World Cup but there is an interesting sub-plot with Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal set to share the stage for the first-time ever.
Who is Spain vs Argentina referee?
Slovenia’s Slavko Vincic will take charge of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
He will be assisted on Sunday by fellow Slovenian’s Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, with Jordan’s Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh serving as the fourth official. Mohammad Alkalaf - also of Jordan - will be the reserve assistant.
Vincic has been an international-listed referee for FIFA since 2010 and his first major competition was Euro 2012 where he was one of the two additional assistants in Damir Skomina’s team.
Upon receiving news that he had been selected to oversee the biggest match in football, Vincic cut an emotional figure before being embraced by his peers and then FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Introducing your referee for the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 Final....🥁
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 17, 2026
Congratulations, Slavko Vinčić! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OMLJ3oA31p
Vincic has officiated plenty of European fixtures, meaning the majority of Spain and Argentina players should be well aware of his refereeing style.
For example, Nicolas Otamendi will be most familiar with the Slovenian having been shown a yellow card by the 46-year-old during Benfica’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid last season.
Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina will be the fourth game Vincic has taken charge of at the World Cup 2026.
Vincic was the referee for the group stage draw between Brazil and Morocco as well as Algeria’s win over tournament debutants Jordan. He also took charge of Mexico’s round of 32 win over Ecuador, showing Arsenal defender Piero Hincapie a red card for covering his mouth when speaking to an opponent.
Vincic’s appointment could be a lucky charm for Spain. Dating all the way back to June 2017, in the five games the Slovenian has overseen, La Roja are unbeaten.
In fact, Spain have won their last three matches in a row with the 46-year-old in charge, most recently a semi-final success over France at Euro 2024 where he showed a yellow card to Yamal.
On the other hand, the one and only Argentina game Vincic has refereed is rather significant, with it being the last World Cup match in which the Albiceleste lost.
En route to be crowned world champions four years ago, Argentina began their campaign with a shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia and this was despite taking the lead through a Messi penalty.
