German referee Bastian Dankert has been appointed as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the upcoming World Cup final in East Rutherford. The FIFA-sanctioned match, scheduled for Sunday at 21:00 CEST, will feature Spain against Argentina. Slovenian official Slavko Vincic has been selected to serve as the lead referee for the championship match.
Dankert’s Role and Tournament Experience
Bastian Dankert, 46, enters the final as one of the most experienced video officials in international football. His participation in the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States has been extensive, marking the final as his twelfth official appearance. Throughout the competition, he has split his responsibilities equally, serving six times as the primary Video Assistant Referee and six times as a supporting assistant.
Slavko Vincic Assigned as Lead Referee
The officiating duties on the pitch will be overseen by Slavko Vincic. This appointment represents a significant milestone for the 46-year-old Slovenian, as it is his first time officiating a World Cup final. Vincic has maintained a consistent presence throughout this tournament, having managed four matches to date, including the Round of 16 encounter where co-host Mexico defeated Ecuador 2-0.
Vincic’s track record in high-stakes European football is well-established. Prior to his current World Cup duties, he served as the head referee for the 2024 Champions League final, which saw Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund.
Historical Context for Final Officiating
The selection of a European officiating crew for a final featuring teams from Europe and South America is not unusual. For comparison, the most recent World Cup final in Qatar—which saw Argentina defeat France—was managed by Polish referee Szymon Marciniak.
Tournament Stakes and Next Steps
The final match serves as the official conclusion to the tournament schedule.
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