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Slovenia
Nation / PlaceSI

Slovenia

Central European EU/NATO state of 2.1 million; home nation of the World Cup final's referee.

Last refreshed: 18 July 2026

Key Question

How does a nation of 2.1 million supply the referee for a World Cup final?

Timeline for Slovenia

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Background

Slovenia's Slavko Vincic has been appointed to referee Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium, with two Slovenian assistants and Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official. The appointment gives the final a neutral crew from a country with no side in the draw, and passed without the controversy trailing FIFA's disciplinary decisions elsewhere in the tournament.

Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 and has since built one of the smoother post-Yugoslav transitions in the region: a parliamentary republic of roughly 2.1 million people, capital Ljubljana, with a 46.6-kilometre Adriatic coastline between Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia. It joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2007.

A country this size supplying a World Cup final referee reflects strength in officiating rather than in the national team, which did not qualify for 2026. Slovenia's football federation has nonetheless produced internationally rated match officials, keeping the country in the frame at football's biggest occasions even when its players are not.

Common Questions
Where is Slovenia?
A Central European country bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia, with a short Adriatic coastline.
Who is Slovenia's referee at the World Cup final?
Slavko Vincic, appointed to referee the Spain-Argentina final with two Slovenian assistants and Jordan's Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official.Source:
Is Slovenia in the EU?
Yes, Slovenia joined the EU and NATO in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2007.
When did Slovenia become independent?
Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia in 1991.