FIFA has announced the match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final and the third-place playoff, confirming experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic as the man in charge of the championship clash between defending champions Argentina and Spain. The World Cup final will be played on July 19 (local time), while England and France will meet in the third-place match. The appointments were officially confirmed by football's governing body ahead of the tournament's concluding fixtures.

Slavko Vincic will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic, who have been named as the first and second assistant referees respectively. Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed as the fourth official, while Mohammad Alkalaf will serve as the reserve assistant referee. FIFA selected the experienced officiating team after their performances during previous international tournaments, entrusting them with overseeing one of football's biggest occasions.

For the third-place playoff between England and France, FIFA has appointed Venezuela's Jesus Valenzuela as the referee. His compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno will serve as assistant referees, with Jalal Jayed taking charge as the fourth official and Zakaria Brinsi appointed as the reserve assistant referee. The bronze medal match will determine the tournament's third-placed team after both European sides fell short in the semi-finals.

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Argentina booked its place in the World Cup final after staging a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semi-finals. After Anthony Gordon gave England the lead in the second half, the defending champions responded strongly as Enzo Fernandez equalised in the 85th minute before Lautaro Martinez headed home the winning goal in stoppage time. Captain Lionel Messi played a decisive role by providing assists for both goals, helping Argentina secure another opportunity to defend its world title.

Spain, meanwhile, reached its first FIFA World Cup final since lifting the trophy in 2010 by defeating France 2-0 in the other semi-final. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Lamine Yamal won a spot-kick, while Pedro Porro doubled the advantage in the second half following a well-worked attacking move. Spain's disciplined defensive display ensured another clean sheet as they comfortably held off late attempts from France to seal their place in the title decider.

The final between Argentina and Spain promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, featuring two of international football's strongest teams. Argentina will aim to retain the FIFA World Cup title, while Spain will be chasing its second world crown after its triumph in South Africa in 2010. With the match officials now confirmed, attention shifts to the players as the countdown begins for the tournament's showpiece finale, while England and France prepare to compete for third place.

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