The World Cup final is set and Spain will play Argentina to decide who lifts the famous trophy. With a month of action behind us, fans don’t have to wait long for the biggest showpiece in sport, which takes place on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

FIFA has now confirmed the team of officials who will run the rule over the match, with protocol dictating that such teams are appointed round by round, confirming only once fixtures are set, a few days before kick-off.

Here’s everything you need to know about the referee, his team of officials and the selection process.

World Cup 2026 Final Referee

Slavko Vincic has been selected as the referee for the 2026 World Cup final. The news was confirmed by FIFA a few days ahead of the match.

Vincic has refereed three matches at the 2026 World Cup, including the Group C game between Brazil and Morocco, the Group J game between Jordan and Algeria, and the Round of 32 tie between Mexico and Ecuador.

Across three games, he showed seven yellow cards and one red card.

Vincic, who hails from Slovenia, will be the first person from his country to take charge of a World Cup final. Following the announcement, Vincic revealed that he was shocked by the news, which was relayed to him by FIFA referee chief Pierluigi Collina, but said that it was “an incredible honour”.

“It’s something that is a dream for a referee, for a young referee when they start,” he told FIFA’s official website. “So, I’m very proud, very proud of myself, my team.”

Vincic’s appointment has prompted a divided response, with some supporters reacting negatively to the news.

World Cup 2026 Final Match Officials

REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez via Action Images

Vincic will be assisted during the World Cup final by a team of officials hailing from Slovenia and Jordan.

Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic will run the lines as assistant referees, while Adham Makhadmeh will serve as the fourth official.

How Referees are Chosen

For the 2026 tournament, FIFA named the largest cohort of officials in World Cup history — with referees, assistant referees and video match officials.

An extended competition with more games than ever required more help and the selection process has reportedly spanned over three years under Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina and Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca.

“It’s a long process. There are many pieces of the puzzle, but they have had to be combined all together to get the picture of the final referee, and it’s something that goes (on) through the competition,” Collina said in an interview with the official FIFA website.

“Of course, the performances are [what] matter the most. Of course, the matches they refereed before, also the fact that his team is not playing (in) this competition, but mainly performances. At the end of the day, it’s what really matters.”

Drawn from all six confederations, there is a strong world representation. As mentioned, no referee can manage their country and matches are awarded ahead of time, but only a few days in advance for knockout ties.

Performances are reviewed — with some games, such as the France-Paraguay clash, needing more analysis than others — and strong group stage efforts can result in knockout games. Neutrality, fitness and performance under pressure will all feed towards the final decision.

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a third summer signing following the arrivals of Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic.

Wilson joined the Peacocks as a free agent after leaving Fulham following the expiration of his contract. The Welsh attacker had been in high demand after a season which saw him post 10 goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

Leeds have made Muharemovic the second-most expensive Bosnia-Herzegovina player in history after spending £34 million on him. The young defender arrives from Serie A club Sassuolo after representing his country at the World Cup.

Leeds Close in on Shea Charles

Next up for Leeds appears to be Southampton’s Shea Charles and TEAMtalk claim that a deal for the Northern Irish midfielder is nearing completion. There are reportedly “hopes growing that an agreement is close” and that the 22-year-old will be headed to Elland Road.

Charles caught the eye throughout last season, particularly in the FA Cup after the Saints shocked Arsenal with a 2-1 win. He is a versatile midfielder who operates mostly as a defensive midfielder.

The former Manchester City academy star appeared 38 times across competitions last season, registering six goals and two assists. The Whites’ latest proposal is believed to be a £23 million down payment, with a further £2 million in add-ons.

Leeds Spending Could Reach £99M

via Reuters

With Charles likely to be the next arrival at Elland Road, attention is likely to turn to a new goalkeeper. Ilan Meslier and Karl Darlow have both left, joining Arsenal and Manchester United as free agents.

The report claims that James Trafford is one of the serious options for Farke between the sticks, but Leeds are one of several clubs set to make a firm approach. Currently away at the World Cup with England, the 23-year-old has been deputising for Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.

A lack of football is likely to lead to a departure and Manchester City are “anticipating some concrete offers” for the former Burnley shot-stopper. The Peacocks are showing strong interest and if they were to sign the Englishman, that could take their spending to £99 million.

David Lynch has provided an update on Liverpool‘s transfer plans and confirmed that they are keen to sign a UEFA Champions League winner.

It’s been a summer full of twists and turns thus far for Andoni Iraola since he replaced Arne Slot at the helm. Mohamed Salah has left following the expiration of his contract, and the Reds were targeting Yan Diomande.

That was until Diomande made Paris Saint-Germain his preferred destination and the Merseyside outfit opted to look elsewhere. Several alternatives have been touted, and Lynch has made a huge claim over one of them.

Lynch: Liverpool Want to Sign Barcola

via Reuters

Once Diomande indicated that he wants to join PSG, speculation grew over Bradley Barcola’s future. The French winger isn’t a guaranteed starter under Luis Enrique and his chances of game time decrease should they sign the RB Leipzig attacker.

Lynch has been told that the Reds are long-term admirers of Barcola and that they are one of the clubs keen on signing the Frenchman. He said on his YouTube channel:

“Quick update on Bradley Barcola and where we’re up to with that one. I’ve had Liverpool sources effectively confirm to me this week they absolutely love him as a player. There’s no doubt about that. They are one of many clubs who really, really like him. Their admiration has been long-standing, and they really do continue to admire him coming into this window.”

Barcola enjoyed a superb season with PSG despite the competition for a starting berth in Enrique’s attack. He registered 13 goals and seven assists in 49 games across competitions, winning the Champions League for a second consecutive season.

The 23-year-old has also been a key man for France at the World Cup, managing two goals and one assist. His displays have garnered interest from Anfield although there are several obstacles:

“It’s more about now in terms of him potentially signing for Liverpool down to kind of the numbers around that deal, what’s being demanded and the feasibility of it. Of course, then whether he chooses Liverpool versus other suitors that he might have, what kind of contract offers he’s getting as well. It’s not about whether they like the player or not. I think you can pretty much nail that down now that Liverpool really do admire Bradley Barcola and would like to sign him if the opportunity presents itself.”

Barcola, hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world”, has two years left on his contract at PSG, having joined the Parisians from Lyon in 2023. The Ligue 1 giants have yet to make a move for Diomande and perhaps Liverpool’s hopes of signing the Frenchman firmly rest on the Ivorian arriving at the Parc des Princes.

Barcola a Dream Signing For Liverpool

Gonzalo Fuentes via Reuters

If Liverpool are to sign any winger this summer, Barcola is the dream given his profile and obvious star power. He can play on either wing and even up top if required.

The sticking point is the potential financial implications of a deal, as reports suggest PSG value him at over £100m. The Reds then have to factor in his salary demands as he currently earns £119,224 at the Parc des Princes and will probably be demanding a high wage increase.

Arsenal have also been linked with Barcola, but the Gunners are prioritising Morgan Rogers. They have also swooped for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, paving the way for Iraola’s transfer chiefs to take control of the Barcola race.