Slavko Vincic retires after refereeing the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

worldsoccertalk.com · yesterday

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.

Spain v Argentina in the World Cup final: the referee, the stats and the omens

theguardian.com · last week

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...

Report: Arsenal hold firm stance on defender amid £51.3m interest

sports.yahoo.com · 3 weeks ago

Arsenal Stand Firm as Real Madrid Eye Piero Hincapie in €60m Transfer TalkReal Madrid can admire Piero Hincapie all they like. That does not mean Arsenal have to listen.According to TeamTalk, Madrid...

Get a grip on Mora and take aerial route: what England can do to contain Mexico

theguardian.com · 4 weeks ago

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...

Gianni Infantino learns UEFA’s stance on FIFA’s strict red-card rule for covering mouth after two 2026 World Cup episodes

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

With the World Cup in full swing, all eyes are shifting toward UEFA to see if European soccer's governing body will implement this exact same approach. The action on the pitch at the 2026 World Cup is thrilling, but it’s the strict new disciplinary rules that have everyone talking. Gianni Infantino has spearheaded a controversial new policy: handing out red cards to players who cover their mouths during confrontations to combat hidden abuse. With the World Cup in full swing, all eyes are on UEFA to see whether European soccer’s governing body will adopt the same approach. FIFA introduced the new regulation ahead of the 2026 World Cup following recommendations approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in April. The measure was designed to address situations in which players deliberately conceal their mouths while confronting opponents, making it difficult for officials to determine whether abusive language had been used. The new law was enforced almost immediately during the tournament. Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron became the first player in World Cup history to receive a red card under the regulation during his country’s match against Turkey. The next week, Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie suffered the same fate following a VAR review against Mexico. The incident that changed soccer’s rulebook The controversy traces back to a UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica earlier this year. During the fixture, Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinicius Junior, leading to allegations of racist abuse. Gianluca Prestianni of Benfica and Arda Guler of Real Madrid. Because officials were unable to determine exactly what had been said during the exchange, the incident proved difficult to judge. UEFA later concluded that Prestianni was guilty of homophobic conduct rather than racist abuse, issuing a six-match suspension, with three matches suspended. The episode ultimately became the catalyst for FIFA‘s push toward stricter disciplinary measures. The governing body argued that automatically punishing players who deliberately conceal conversations during confrontations would discourage abusive behavior and eliminate uncertainty during investigations. Breaking! The new anti-mouth-covering rule makes its World Cup debut. Paraguay star Miguel Almiron was handed an instant red card after hiding his mouth while talking to rivals.#2026WorldCup #Football #WorldCup #Paraguay pic.twitter.com/vx1tdg0zu9— Go Shandong (@DazhongDaily) June 20, 2026 UEFA confirms its stance While FIFA has already implemented the regulation on soccer’s biggest stage, UEFA has confirmed that players will not automatically receive red cards for covering their mouths during confrontations in its competitions. These Rule Mighty Look Filthy And Biased But Hincapie Deserved A Red Card There!!!pic.twitter.com/pwDO7IkZVl— ɢȏʋιηԀ ɢαԀε ♪ (@SirGovindGade) July 1, 2026 Instead, European soccer’s governing body has instructed referees to assess every situation individually. According to UEFA, officials should determine whether a yellow card is appropriate if covering the mouth is “an attempt to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour.” The governing body believes each confrontation should be evaluated according to its own circumstances. That means officials can issue yellow cards when appropriate while still allowing post-match disciplinary investigations if evidence later emerges. Piero Hincapie #3 of Ecuador speaks to Santiago Gimenez #11 of Mexico leading to a red card UEFA also made clear that disciplinary action remains possible after matches if further investigations uncover misconduct. It added: “This is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of, or in connection with, such behaviour.”

Why was Piero Hincapie sent off vs Mexico?

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Piero Hincapie was shown a red card as Ecuador were eliminated from the World Cup by Mexico on Tuesday night, becoming the third Arsenal player to leave the tournament.Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images...

Piero Hincapie becomes second World Cup player to be sent off for covering his mouth

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

The Ecuador defender lost his composure at the end of a chastening evening against Mexico at the Azteca

Piero Hincapie becomes second World Cup player to be sent off for covering his mouth

independent.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

The Ecuador defender lost his composure at the end of a chastening evening against Mexico at the Azteca

Mexico set up potential England World Cup clash as Arsenal's Piero Hincapie sent off

standard.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

Azteca awaits Three Lions if they beat DR Congo on Wednesday evening

Hincapie becomes second player sent off for covering mouth

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie became the second player at the World Cup to be dismissed for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent.

Hincapie becomes second player sent off for covering mouth

bbc.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie became the second player at the World Cup to be dismissed for covering his mouth while confronting an opponent.

Hincapie second player to be sent off for covering mouth

bbc.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

Ecuador defender Piero Hincapie becomes the second player at this tournament to be shown a red card for covering his mouth while speaking to an opponent in stoppage time of their 2-0 defeat against Mexico.

Arsenal's Piero Hincapie 'forgets rule' with stupid red card as Ecuador dumped out World Cup

mirror.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

Piero Hincapie was shown a red card during Ecuador's defeat to Mexico at the World Cup

Who, when and where will Mexico play in the Round of 16?

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Mexico secured a crucial 2-0 win over Ecuador in the Round of 32 and booked a place among the 16 best teams at the 2026 World Cup. Mexico didn’t disappoint in front of their own fans at Mexico City Stadium, turning in a strong performance to beat Ecuador 2-0 and book their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. The co-hosts broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move that caught Ecuador off guard. Roberto Alvarado slipped a pass into space to spring Julian Quiñones, who took the ball in stride and fired it past goalkeeper Hernan Galindez to open the scoring — his third goal of the tournament. El Tri doubled their advantage soon after, when brilliant interplay between Quiñones and Raul Jiménez carved out space at the edge of the box, allowing Jiménez to curl a finish into the top corner to seal the game and give his team a spot in the next round. With the win, Javier Aguirre’s men keep alive their bid to match or better Mexico‘s best-ever World Cup showings, the quarterfinal runs they produced as hosts back in 1970 and 1986. ¡MÉXICO A OCTAVOS DE FINAL! 😤El verde seguirá pintando esta Copa del Mundo. TODOS JUNTOS.¡Vamooooooos! 👊#SomosMéxico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/HhTNuFVkZR— Selección Nacional (@miseleccionmx) July 1, 2026 Mexico’s Round of 16 rival and venue After defeating Ecuador, Mexico will face the winner of England and DR Congo in the Round of 16 on July 5 at Mexico City Stadium, keeping El Tri on home turf for a second straight knockout match. On paper, England would appear to be the likely next opponent, as clear favorites over the African side. Should they come out on top, Mexico would have a chance at revenge, as the two sides have met only once before at a World Cup, back in 1966, when the Europeans won 2-0 in the group stage. If DR Congo pull off the upset, it would mark their first-ever World Cup meeting with Mexico. The two sides do have one prior meeting, though, a 2006 friendly that the North Americans won 2-1 in the buildup to that year’s World Cup in Germany.

Mexico vs Ecuador kick-off delayed as weather disrupts World Cup again

mirror.co.uk · 4 weeks ago

The weather has been one of the biggest disruptors at this World Cup so far and it appears not to be finished rearing it's head

Mexico vs. Ecuador live stream: How to watch FIFA World Cup, odds, prediction, pick, lineups, channel

cbssports.com · 4 weeks ago

An electric atmosphere awaits one of the most anticipated matchups of the round of 32

Mexico blow Ecuador away after weather delay - all the key moments

skysports.com · 4 weeks ago

Is Raul Jimenez playing? Mexico vs Ecuador confirmed lineups for the 2026 World Cup match

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Mexico and Ecuador are clashin in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, with the presence of star Raul Jimenez being one of the main questions for the game. Mexico and Ecuador are set to collide today, Tuesday, June 30th, in a massive Round of 32 showdown in the 2026 World Cup at the historic Estadio Azteca. With El Tri heavily focused on staging a deep tournament run on home soil, fan speculation has intensely centered around whether star striker Raul Jimenez will anchor the attack from the opening whistle. Jimenez has been included in the starting XI against Ecuador. Head coach Javier Aguirre made the tactical decision to rest the Fulham striker on the substitutes’ bench during the final group-stage match against Czechia, as Mexico had already locked up the top spot in the group. Now fully fresh and fit, Jimenez will make his highly anticipated return to the lineup. El Tri enters the knockout stage on the heels of a flawless group-stage campaign, distinguishing themselves as the only team in the entire tournament to not concede a single goal during the opening round. A clinical 2-0 victory over South Africa set the tone before a gritty 1-0 win over South Korea, which allowed Aguirre to heavily rotate his squad as Mexico cruised past Czechia 3-0 to complete a perfect start. Conversely, Ecuador arrives in the Round of 32 after securing a dramatic knockout berth as a third-place qualifier out of Group E. A tough 1-0 defeat to the Ivory Coast and a frustrating scoreless draw against Curaxao left La Tri‘s tournament hopes hanging by a thread, but a historic 2-1 upset over Germany punched their ticket to the knockouts, providing a massive morale boost they hope to ride all the way. 📍Comunicado oficial pic.twitter.com/7jbJcsiHXr— FEF 🇪🇨 (@FEFecuador) June 30, 2026 Mexico and Ecuador clash after a heated night at the team hotel In a fiery matchup between two Latin American rivals, Ecuador’s arrival in Mexico City was met with a hostile reception from the locals. On Monday night, June 29th, a large group of passionate Mexican supporters swarmed the hotel where the Ecuadorian national team was staying, setting off a barrage of loud fireworks, aggressive chants, musical serenades, and car horns in a deliberate attempt to disrupt the players’ sleep, with video clips of the scene quickly going viral on social media. On Tuesday morning, the Ecuadorian Football Federation (FEF) quickly fired back, releasing an official statement condemning the “unsporting actions” ahead of the match. “Regarding certain off-the-pitch actions that occurred in the buildup to the Round of 32 match, the Ecuadorian Football Federation informs that it has sent a formal complaint to the organization, as this behavior is a far cry from the principles of fair play, equality, and unity that a football World Cup should represent,” part of the statement read. Confirmed lineups for Mexico and Ecuador Mexico’s confirmed lineup (4-3-3): Raul Rangel; Jorge Sanchez, Johan Vasquez, Cesar Montes, Jesus Gallardo; Gilberto Mora, Erik Lira, Luis Romo; Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez; Julian Quiñones.Head coach: Javier Aguirre. Ecuador’s confirmed lineup (4-4-2): Hernan Galindez; Alan Franco, Joel Ordoñez, William Pacho, Piero Hincapie; John Yeboah, Pedro Vite, Moises Caicedo, Nilson Angulo; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia.Head coach: Sebastian Beccacece.

What is Mexico’s current FIFA ranking ahead of its 2026 World Cup match vs Ecuador?

worldsoccertalk.com · 4 weeks ago

Amid growing doubts, Mexico have managed to remain unbeaten at the 2026 World Cup, surprising everyone. As a result, they have climbed several places in the FIFA Men's World Ranking ahead of their match against Ecuador. As one of the hosts of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico entered the tournament surrounded by uncertainty, as they did not have to play qualifiers and came in with little competitive match experience. Nevertheless, they have surprised everyone with their performances, remaining unbeaten and reaching the knockout stage. Ahead of their Round of 32 clash against Ecuador, they have climbed several places in the FIFA Men’s World Ranking. According to the FIFA Men’s World Ranking, Mexico are ranked 9th place with 1736.01 points. Having secured three consecutive victories, they have escalated five positions compared to the start of the tournament. In recent years, they have managed to significantly improve their international standing compared to their 40th position in July 2015. However, they have yet to match their highest-ever ranking, which was 4th in May of 2006. With their solid performances, Mexico have a privileged spot in the ranking than their opponents, Ecuador. Despite coming off a win over Germany, they have dropped one place in the rankings and now sit 24th with 1,592.59 points. With this in mind, Javier Aguirre’s team remain the top contenders to reach the Round of 16. To do so, they will need to produce their best attacking performance, as they are facing a solid defense. Unlike their opponents in the group stage, Javier Aguirre’s team will face one of the best defenses at the 2026 World Cup. Despite not standing out in front of goal, Ecuador have one of the tournament’s most compact teams. Sebastián Beccacece has built a solid defensive unit with Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, and Joel Ordóñez. In addition, they can take advantage of their pace on the wings to create danger, looking for Gonzalo Plata or Kevin Rodríguez up front. Luis Romo #7 of Mexico celebrates with teammates after scoring. Julian Quiñones is Mexico’s scoring hope against Ecuador Throughout the 2026 World Cup, Mexico have excelled in attack, competing head-to-head against all of their opponents. Because of this, they remain the clear favorites to defeat Ecuador, having advanced through the group stage without conceding a single goal. Although they do not have strikers in top form, Julián Quiñones remains one of the team’s leading goalscorers and is expected to be Javier Aguirre’s biggest hope. With his outstanding dribbling ability and pace, Julián Quiñones has consistently found space in opposition defenses. With Raúl Jiménez occupying opposing defenders, he has become Mexico’s top scorer with two goals. Facing Ecuador’s solid defense, the 29-year-old star is the team’s biggest hope to lead them to victory. To achieve that, the quiet work of Raúl Jiménez and Roberto Alvarado will be crucial, as they draw defenders away to give him space to finish calmly. As Mexico’s top scorer, Julián Quiñones could be marked by Ecuador with two defenders in an attempt to limit his impact. In that case, he would become the key player in creating space for Raúl Jiménez, who would face the pressure of being clinical in front of goal. Therefore, the 29-year-old star remains Javier Aguirre’s most decisive player in their pursuit of a place in the Round of 16.

World Cup: Mexico fans make excessive noise outside Ecuador's hotel to prevent team from sleeping before match

sports.yahoo.com · 4 weeks ago

Fans of Team Mexico will do whatever it takes to give their team an edge.