Match story
- Uruguay fired more attempts (16 vs 2 shots).
- Uruguay held more of the ball (61% possession).
Uruguay defeated Ecuador 4-0 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Anderson Daronco, Brazil officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Uruguay vs Ecuador meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Uruguay and Ecuador. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa AmericaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Uruguay defeated Ecuador 4-0 in Copa America. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 1 stage in the 2019 season. The match was played at Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. Anderson Daronco, Brazil officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Uruguay vs Ecuador meeting in Copa America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Uruguay and Ecuador. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
Copa America
Set to return to MLS play, Lionel Messi has been dealt with a major defensive setback as Inter Miami released an injury update addressing Micael's status. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a 3-2 defeat against Club Leon in the Leagues Cup, and following their elimination from the tournament, the 2026 MLS regular season has shifted back to being their primary focus. However, the back line has taken a major hit after Inter Miami released an official injury update on center back Micael. After starting Wednesday’s match against Club Leon, Micael was forced to exit in the 33rd minute after twisting his ankle and being unable to continue. Though he managed to walk off the pitch under his own power, Fricio Caicedo came on as his replacement at center back in a match that ultimately ended in a 3-2 victory for the Mexican side, leaving Inter Miami eliminated from the Leagues Cup in the round of 16. The day after the elimination, Inter Miami released a statement addressing Micael’s condition. “Micael underwent an MRI today, which confirmed that he has a sprained right ankle sustained during last night’s Leagues Cup match against Club Leon,” part of the official update read. While confirming the injury, the Florida side did not disclose the severity or provide a firm recovery timeline. Instead, Inter Miami noted that Micael will begin a period of rest and treatment, adding that “his progress will dictate his gradual return to team training.“ Micael #16 of Inter Miami CF reacts after suffering an injury against Club Leon. (Rich Storry/Getty Images) Asked about the Brazilian’s injury during his post-match press conference, manager Guillermo Hoyos spoke candidly about what losing him would mean for the squad: “Micael has a significant sprain, and we will see what is determined during the medical examination. But it is a significant sprain, and for us, it would also be a significant loss. He is very important.“ How long will Micael be out? Much like Messi’s importance in the attack, Micael has established himself as the anchor of the defense, featuring in every single match for Inter Miami this season except for a MLS Matchday 4 clash against Charlotte FC back in March when he was rested, totalling 22 games. Now, his target return date will depend entirely on the severity of the sprain. A Grade 3 sprain, which involves a complete ligament tear and carries a two-to-three-month recovery period, seems unlikely given that Micael walked off the field unaided. If he suffered a Grade 1 sprain (micro-tears) or a Grade 2 sprain (partial tearing), his recovery timeline will likely range anywhere from one to six weeks. Who will replace Micael? Micael has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the defense while also providing a dangerous aerial threat, evidenced by his recent goal off a Messi corner kick against Atletico San Luis. Now, Hoyos faces the task of replacing a player who has arguably been Inter Miami’s most consistent defender this season. In terms of stylistic fit, recent signing Fricio Caicedo is the most natural replacement. Compared to options like Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, or a returning Maximiliano Falcon, the Ecuadorian defender offers a 6-foot-4 frame and a left-footed profile that make him the ideal candidate to preserve the team’s build-up play from the left side of defense.
Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo is a low-risk move that makes lots of sense, says Reds fan and author Adam Beattie. The versatile Uruguay defender has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Beattie believes the 27-year-old can hit the ground running at Anfield despite struggling in Spain for the past three years. "I think it makes loads of sense to be honest," Beattie said.
After joining LA Galaxy in look for minutes, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has used Lionel Messi's success in the 2026 World Cup as an inspiration to eventually return to the Mexico national team. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano completed his transfer to the LA Galaxy seeking the consistent minutes he was unable to secure at San Diego FC, aiming to relaunch his career on the international stage. Looking for a blueprint to return to the Mexico national team, Lozano cited Lionel Messi‘s success during the 2026 World Cup while competing in MLS as a primary source of inspiration. Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS. Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.” The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added. Welcome to Los Ángeles, @HirvingLozano70 💫 pic.twitter.com/Ggc7WkHRhI— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2026 Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance. Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy. “Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management. Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez. El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6). Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.
A footballer hoping for a smooch on one of the proudest days of his career was left with lonely lips after his girlfriend blanked and abandoned him on stage.
Josue Caicedo’s eagerly anticipated arrival at FC Barcelona has been delayed by administrative procedures, leaving the 18-year-old still waiting in Ecuador for the clearance needed to travel to Spai...
Despite its implementation in the 2026 World Cup, La Liga won't apply the "Vinicius rule" during the 2026-27 season, reportedly opting to target time-wasting methods. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior found himself at the center of one of the 2025–26 season’s most controversial moments, prompting FIFA to test a new rule in response. However, despite its trial during the 2026 World Cup, La Liga will not adopt the regulation for the upcoming campaign, choosing instead to prioritize measures aimed at curbing time-wasting tactics. The controversy stems from a Feb. 17 Champions League fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica, when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of uttering a racial slur. Because the Argentine midfielder covered his mouth while speaking, officials lacked definitive proof, spurring soccer governing bodies to consider mandatory discipline for players who cover their mouths during altercations. Under the trial guidelines, any player who covered their mouth while confronting an opponent faced an automatic ejection. The policy made its global debut at the 2026 World Cup, where Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie became the first players sent off under the criteria, though the trial failed to convince Spanish officiating leadership. During pre-season meetings ahead of the 2026–27 La Liga campaign, Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) elected to align with UEFA guidelines rather than implement the “Vinicius Rule.” As a result, players in Spain will not face match sanctions simply for covering their mouths during on-field confrontations. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid covering his mouth. In an interview with Diario AS, CTA president Fran Soto explained the committee’s reluctance: “Leaving a team with ten players without having clear proof of whether he said it or not… We have to see if we can fight against such behavior this way or through other measures.“ La Liga targets delay-of-game tactics The 2026 World Cup served as a testing ground for several rule adjustments, most of which focused on eliminating delay-of-game tactics and preserving match flow. Looking ahead to the new domestic season, Spanish refereeing officials plan to follow the Premier League’s lead by targeting specific time-wasting techniques. According to Diario AS, the CTA has formally petitioned the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to trial new penalties for goalkeepers who feign or exaggerate injuries to stall play. To curb these prolonged stoppages, Spanish officials aim to mirror English soccer’s approach by requiring an outfield teammate to temporarily step off the pitch for one minute while the goalkeeper receives medical attention. The initiative builds on similar pace-of-play enforcement introduced in the Premier League. In addition to the goalkeeper protocol, La Liga plans to adopt strict countdown timers on throw-ins and goal kicks, a 10-second limit for substituted players exiting the pitch, and a mandatory one-minute sideline wait for outfield players evaluated by medical staff.
After referring the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the Football Association of Slovenia announced the retirement of Slavko Vincic. Slavko Vincic took center stage as the head referee for the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. One week after officiating soccer’s biggest event, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) announced the veteran official’s retirement in an official statement. In a release on its official website, the NZS confirmed the end of the 46-year-old referee’s storied career on the pitch: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“ The Slovenian FA emphasized that calling the World Cup final solidified “his status as one of the greatest match officials in history.” The praise coincided with major honors, as the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the 2026 World Cup, while Italy’s Referee Association (AIA) awarded him the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award. An international referee since 2010, Vincic built a distinguished résumé overseeing high-stakes fixtures, including 50 UEFA Champions League matches. In European club competition, he was selected to handle the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, followed by the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. Introducing your referee for the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 Final….🥁Congratulations, Slavko Vinčić! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OMLJ3oA31p— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 17, 2026 When FIFA officially assigned Vincic to the final, the moment proved overwhelming for the Slovenian, who was visibly moved upon receiving the news. Officiating the World Cup final served as the absolute zenith of his career, the exact high point at which he chose to hang up his whistle. Vincic at the 2026 World Cup The 2022 World Cup in Qatar marked Vincic’s debut on international soccer’s grandest stage, where he refereed two group-stage fixtures: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia and Wales vs. England. For the 2026 edition, however, his assignments extended well beyond the group stage, placing him in control of crucial knockout moments. His first two games of the tournament came in the group stage, starting with a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco. He followed that with a group-stage clash between Jordan and Algeria, which saw the North African side capture a 2-1 victory. His knockout duties began in the Round of 32 at Estadio Azteca, overseeing a match between co-host Mexico and Ecuador. In a 2-0 win for Mexico, Vincic made headlines late in stoppage time by issuing a straight red card to Piero Hincapié under FIFA’s new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges. Referee Slavko Vincic shows a red card to Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina. His defining career assignment came on July 19 in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. During La Roja’s 1-0 victory, Vincic showed a second yellow card to Enzo Fernandez following a foul on Pau Cubarsi, an ejection that sealed Albiceleste’s fate against a dominant Spanish squad.
As the top two in the Fifa rankings prepare to meet in New Jersey on Sunday we look at the pointers that may help decide the gameSlavko Vincic becomes the first Slovene to referee a World Cup final. He oversaw the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley (Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0) as well as Spain’s 2-1 win over France at the 2024 Euros semi-final. The 46-year-old’s first World Cup match was Argentina’s opening loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022. At this tournament, Vincic showed Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié a red card for covering his mouth in the 95th minute against Mexico. He has averaged 2.33 yellow cards per game. Continue reading...
Thomas Tuchel’s team can tame the co-hosts by slowing things down and isolating Raúl Jiménez One of the question marks over Mexico’s team before this World Cup centred on a shortage of obvious star quality. That accusation does not hold any more. Gilberto Mora does not turn 18 until October but has played with the authority of a veteran since Javier Aguirre answered a nation’s prayers and plunged him into the starting lineup. Against Czechia and Ecuador he made a huge difference, adding depth and daring to Mexico’s previously functional attacking patterns. He was happy to get stuck in against a midfield that included Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, knowing he had solid backup from the more defensive Érik Lira. Mora has been compared with Andrés Iniesta; he certainly has the former Barcelona player’s quick feet and deftness of touch, and England will have to be wary of his right-sided combinations with Jorge Sánchez and the winger Roberto Alvarado. Continue reading...
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Set to return to MLS play, Lionel Messi has been dealt with a major defensive setback as Inter Miami released an injury update addressing Micael's status. Lionel Messi and Inter Miami suffered a 3-2 defeat against Club Leon in the Leagues Cup, and following their elimination from the tournament, the 2026 MLS regular season has shifted back to being their primary focus. However, the back line has taken a major hit after Inter Miami released an official injury update on center back Micael. After starting Wednesday’s match against Club Leon, Micael was forced to exit in the 33rd minute after twisting his ankle and being unable to continue. Though he managed to walk off the pitch under his own power, Fricio Caicedo came on as his replacement at center back in a match that ultimately ended in a 3-2 victory for the Mexican side, leaving Inter Miami eliminated from the Leagues Cup in the round of 16. The day after the elimination, Inter Miami released a statement addressing Micael’s condition. “Micael underwent an MRI today, which confirmed that he has a sprained right ankle sustained during last night’s Leagues Cup match against Club Leon,” part of the official update read. While confirming the injury, the Florida side did not disclose the severity or provide a firm recovery timeline. Instead, Inter Miami noted that Micael will begin a period of rest and treatment, adding that “his progress will dictate his gradual return to team training.“ Micael #16 of Inter Miami CF reacts after suffering an injury against Club Leon. (Rich Storry/Getty Images) Asked about the Brazilian’s injury during his post-match press conference, manager Guillermo Hoyos spoke candidly about what losing him would mean for the squad: “Micael has a significant sprain, and we will see what is determined during the medical examination. But it is a significant sprain, and for us, it would also be a significant loss. He is very important.“ How long will Micael be out? Much like Messi’s importance in the attack, Micael has established himself as the anchor of the defense, featuring in every single match for Inter Miami this season except for a MLS Matchday 4 clash against Charlotte FC back in March when he was rested, totalling 22 games. Now, his target return date will depend entirely on the severity of the sprain. A Grade 3 sprain, which involves a complete ligament tear and carries a two-to-three-month recovery period, seems unlikely given that Micael walked off the field unaided. If he suffered a Grade 1 sprain (micro-tears) or a Grade 2 sprain (partial tearing), his recovery timeline will likely range anywhere from one to six weeks. Who will replace Micael? Micael has cemented his status as a cornerstone of the defense while also providing a dangerous aerial threat, evidenced by his recent goal off a Messi corner kick against Atletico San Luis. Now, Hoyos faces the task of replacing a player who has arguably been Inter Miami’s most consistent defender this season. In terms of stylistic fit, recent signing Fricio Caicedo is the most natural replacement. Compared to options like Ian Fray, Gonzalo Lujan, or a returning Maximiliano Falcon, the Ecuadorian defender offers a 6-foot-4 frame and a left-footed profile that make him the ideal candidate to preserve the team’s build-up play from the left side of defense.
Liverpool signing Ronald Araujo is a low-risk move that makes lots of sense, says Reds fan and author Adam Beattie. The versatile Uruguay defender has joined Liverpool on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and Beattie believes the 27-year-old can hit the ground running at Anfield despite struggling in Spain for the past three years. "I think it makes loads of sense to be honest," Beattie said.
After joining LA Galaxy in look for minutes, Hirving "Chucky" Lozano has used Lionel Messi's success in the 2026 World Cup as an inspiration to eventually return to the Mexico national team. Hirving “Chucky” Lozano completed his transfer to the LA Galaxy seeking the consistent minutes he was unable to secure at San Diego FC, aiming to relaunch his career on the international stage. Looking for a blueprint to return to the Mexico national team, Lozano cited Lionel Messi‘s success during the 2026 World Cup while competing in MLS as a primary source of inspiration. Since Messi arrived at Inter Miami in 2023, critics questioned his physical conditioning and competitive edge playing outside the European spotlight. However, the forward defied expectations by delivering a standout performance at 39 years old following his preparation in MLS. Speaking to reporters during his introductory press conference, Lozano was asked by Bolavip‘s Martin O’Donnell about a potential return to the Mexico squad after witnessing Messi’s longevity: “Well, Lionel Messi is a great player. He was named the world’s best many times, so I think that with him it’s a whole different story. I admire and respect him a lot.” The forward made his intentions clear that earning a spot back with El Tri remains a primary goal at his new club. “Of course, as long as I continue playing, I will be available for Mexico. If they believe it’s the best for the national team for me to be there supporting and helping the team, of course I will be there. I will never say no (to Mexico). But well, this is a process,” Lozano added. Welcome to Los Ángeles, @HirvingLozano70 💫 pic.twitter.com/Ggc7WkHRhI— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) August 7, 2026 Lack of match fitness cost Lozano a World Cup roster spot While injuries proved to be an obstacle in recent years, Lozano earned a recall to the Mexico national team in late 2025 while featuring for San Diego FC. However, internal friction with former head coach Mikey Varas and club executives left the forward sidelined, training individually throughout 2026 without making a single competitive appearance. Lozano’s last appearance for San Diego FC came during the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, and going months without game action led head coach Javier Aguirre to exclude him from Mexico’s 2026 World Cup roster. Now settled with the Galaxy, Lozano expects regular playing time to revive his international candidacy. “Now that I’ll have the opportunity to play, I believe that they’ll see what I can do, how I find myself, and that way they’ll decide if it’s good having me on the national team or not. I will work a lot to be there, I love to be with the national team, I’m passionate about it, but only time will tell,” he added, noting that final squad selection rests with team management. Extended fall window presents immediate opportunity for El Tri comeback Lozano joined the LA Galaxy as a Designated Player on loan through December 2026, with an option to make the transfer permanent. During that stretch, he will have an immediate platform to prove his form to Mexico’s new manager, legendary defender Rafael Marquez. El Tri‘s upcoming fixture list and Marquez’s touchline debut will take place during an expanded international window between September and October. Playing across a four-game tour in the United States, Mexico are scheduled to face Colombia (Sept. 26), Peru (Sept. 29), the USMNT (Oct. 3), and Chile (Oct. 6). Amid a demanding schedule with minimal recovery time between matches, the autumn fixtures offer a natural environment for Lozano to regain match sharpness and rejoin the national team setup. His last appearance for El Tri came in November 2025 during a friendly against Uruguay, where he played the opening 45 minutes before exiting with an injury.
A footballer hoping for a smooch on one of the proudest days of his career was left with lonely lips after his girlfriend blanked and abandoned him on stage.
Josue Caicedo’s eagerly anticipated arrival at FC Barcelona has been delayed by administrative procedures, leaving the 18-year-old still waiting in Ecuador for the clearance needed to travel to Spai...
Despite its implementation in the 2026 World Cup, La Liga won't apply the "Vinicius rule" during the 2026-27 season, reportedly opting to target time-wasting methods. Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior found himself at the center of one of the 2025–26 season’s most controversial moments, prompting FIFA to test a new rule in response. However, despite its trial during the 2026 World Cup, La Liga will not adopt the regulation for the upcoming campaign, choosing instead to prioritize measures aimed at curbing time-wasting tactics. The controversy stems from a Feb. 17 Champions League fixture between Real Madrid and Benfica, when Vinicius accused Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni of uttering a racial slur. Because the Argentine midfielder covered his mouth while speaking, officials lacked definitive proof, spurring soccer governing bodies to consider mandatory discipline for players who cover their mouths during altercations. Under the trial guidelines, any player who covered their mouth while confronting an opponent faced an automatic ejection. The policy made its global debut at the 2026 World Cup, where Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie became the first players sent off under the criteria, though the trial failed to convince Spanish officiating leadership. During pre-season meetings ahead of the 2026–27 La Liga campaign, Spain’s Technical Committee of Referees (CTA) elected to align with UEFA guidelines rather than implement the “Vinicius Rule.” As a result, players in Spain will not face match sanctions simply for covering their mouths during on-field confrontations. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica speaks towards Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid covering his mouth. In an interview with Diario AS, CTA president Fran Soto explained the committee’s reluctance: “Leaving a team with ten players without having clear proof of whether he said it or not… We have to see if we can fight against such behavior this way or through other measures.“ La Liga targets delay-of-game tactics The 2026 World Cup served as a testing ground for several rule adjustments, most of which focused on eliminating delay-of-game tactics and preserving match flow. Looking ahead to the new domestic season, Spanish refereeing officials plan to follow the Premier League’s lead by targeting specific time-wasting techniques. According to Diario AS, the CTA has formally petitioned the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to trial new penalties for goalkeepers who feign or exaggerate injuries to stall play. To curb these prolonged stoppages, Spanish officials aim to mirror English soccer’s approach by requiring an outfield teammate to temporarily step off the pitch for one minute while the goalkeeper receives medical attention. The initiative builds on similar pace-of-play enforcement introduced in the Premier League. In addition to the goalkeeper protocol, La Liga plans to adopt strict countdown timers on throw-ins and goal kicks, a 10-second limit for substituted players exiting the pitch, and a mandatory one-minute sideline wait for outfield players evaluated by medical staff.
After referring the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the Football Association of Slovenia announced the retirement of Slavko Vincic. Slavko Vincic took center stage as the head referee for the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. One week after officiating soccer’s biggest event, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) announced the veteran official’s retirement in an official statement. In a release on its official website, the NZS confirmed the end of the 46-year-old referee’s storied career on the pitch: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“ The Slovenian FA emphasized that calling the World Cup final solidified “his status as one of the greatest match officials in history.” The praise coincided with major honors, as the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS) named him the best referee of the 2026 World Cup, while Italy’s Referee Association (AIA) awarded him the prestigious Giulio Campanati Award. An international referee since 2010, Vincic built a distinguished résumé overseeing high-stakes fixtures, including 50 UEFA Champions League matches. In European club competition, he was selected to handle the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers, followed by the 2024 Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium. Introducing your referee for the @FIFAWorldCup 2026 Final….🥁Congratulations, Slavko Vinčić! 👏 pic.twitter.com/OMLJ3oA31p— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 17, 2026 When FIFA officially assigned Vincic to the final, the moment proved overwhelming for the Slovenian, who was visibly moved upon receiving the news. Officiating the World Cup final served as the absolute zenith of his career, the exact high point at which he chose to hang up his whistle. Vincic at the 2026 World Cup The 2022 World Cup in Qatar marked Vincic’s debut on international soccer’s grandest stage, where he refereed two group-stage fixtures: Argentina vs. Saudi Arabia and Wales vs. England. For the 2026 edition, however, his assignments extended well beyond the group stage, placing him in control of crucial knockout moments. His first two games of the tournament came in the group stage, starting with a 1-1 draw between Brazil and Morocco. He followed that with a group-stage clash between Jordan and Algeria, which saw the North African side capture a 2-1 victory. His knockout duties began in the Round of 32 at Estadio Azteca, overseeing a match between co-host Mexico and Ecuador. In a 2-0 win for Mexico, Vincic made headlines late in stoppage time by issuing a straight red card to Piero Hincapié under FIFA’s new rule prohibiting players from covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges. Referee Slavko Vincic shows a red card to Enzo Fernandez #24 of Argentina. His defining career assignment came on July 19 in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. During La Roja’s 1-0 victory, Vincic showed a second yellow card to Enzo Fernandez following a foul on Pau Cubarsi, an ejection that sealed Albiceleste’s fate against a dominant Spanish squad.
As the top two in the Fifa rankings prepare to meet in New Jersey on Sunday we look at the pointers that may help decide the gameSlavko Vincic becomes the first Slovene to referee a World Cup final. He oversaw the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley (Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0) as well as Spain’s 2-1 win over France at the 2024 Euros semi-final. The 46-year-old’s first World Cup match was Argentina’s opening loss to Saudi Arabia in 2022. At this tournament, Vincic showed Ecuador’s Piero Hincapié a red card for covering his mouth in the 95th minute against Mexico. He has averaged 2.33 yellow cards per game. Continue reading...
Thomas Tuchel’s team can tame the co-hosts by slowing things down and isolating Raúl Jiménez One of the question marks over Mexico’s team before this World Cup centred on a shortage of obvious star quality. That accusation does not hold any more. Gilberto Mora does not turn 18 until October but has played with the authority of a veteran since Javier Aguirre answered a nation’s prayers and plunged him into the starting lineup. Against Czechia and Ecuador he made a huge difference, adding depth and daring to Mexico’s previously functional attacking patterns. He was happy to get stuck in against a midfield that included Chelsea’s Moisés Caicedo, knowing he had solid backup from the more defensive Érik Lira. Mora has been compared with Andrés Iniesta; he certainly has the former Barcelona player’s quick feet and deftness of touch, and England will have to be wary of his right-sided combinations with Jorge Sánchez and the winger Roberto Alvarado. Continue reading...
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
