The FIFA has officially appointed Slavko Vinčić to take charge of the highly anticipated World Cup 2026
group-stage match between Morocco and Brazil, scheduled for June 13, 2026 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
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The Slovene referee, aged 46, is one of the most experienced officials in international football.
He has previously officiated major matches including UEFA Champions League final (2024)
and key fixtures at the World Cup 2022 and Euro 2024, confirming his status among FIFA’s elite referees.
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For this opening Group C blockbuster, he will be assisted by his compatriots Tomaž Klančnik and
Andraž Kovačić, with additional support from UEFA officials in the VAR team.
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This appointment highlights the importance of the fixture, as both Morocco and Brazil prepare to begin
their World Cup campaigns in one of the most closely watched matches of the group stage.
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One thing is clear:
this opening clash is not only a sporting showdown, but also a high-stakes test managed by one of the most trusted referees in world football.
