FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Officials: Who Will Referee Argentina vs Spain? Full List of Officials in Contention

After the final whistle of the second semifinal, it's time to make predictions. Who will officiate the big game between Spain and Argentina?

Here the list of the referees who are still at the tournament.

AFC

Alireza Faghani — Australia (born in Iran)
Adham Makhadmeh — Jordan

CAF

Jalal Jayed — Morocco

CONCACAF

Ivan Barton — El Salvador
Ismail Elfath — United States

CONMEBOL

Jesús Valenzuela — Venezuela
Wilton Sampaio — Brazil

UEFA

Espen Eskås — Norway
Szymon Marciniak — Poland
Maurizio Mariani — Italy
Glenn Nyberg — Sweden
João Pinheiro — Portugal
Slavko Vinčić — Slovenia
Clement Turpin (France)

FIFA World Cup Final Referees Eligible To Officiate Spain vs Argentina match, Officials predictions

Wilton Sampaio out after Argentina qualification for the final.

Looking at the option, we would have Vincic as only candidate for this one, but given the situation UEFA - FIFA, a decision like this is very hard to predict. Also, the Slovenian didn't look to be in the spotlights to get a WC final.

Alireza Faghani is also a strong candidate for the WC Final, But due to D.Trump political influence, He may not accept the Iranian born Official at the Final Stage.

Clement Turpin (France) – One of Europe’s most experienced officials and considered among the leading candidates after another impressive World Cup campaign.

Szymon Marciniak (Poland) – The referee for the 2022 FIFA World Cup final remains one of FIFA’s most trusted officials and is again in contention.

Glenn Nyberg (Sweden) – The Swedish referee has enjoyed a strong tournament and is viewed as a potential surprise selection.

Espen Eskås (Norway) – Another UEFA official whose consistent performances have kept him in the conversation for the final.

Alireza Faghani (Australia) – One of the tournament’s most experienced referees and a serious contender after officiating several high-profile matches.

Why Can’t Michael Oliver Referee The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

England’s Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor are no longer eligible to officiate the FIFA World Cup final after his team of match officials exited the tournament. FIFA had already reduced England’s refereeing representation before the semifinals, meaning Oliver cannot be appointed for Spain versus Argentina despite being one of the world’s top referees.

When Will FIFA Announce The World Cup Final Referee for Spain vs Argentina?

FIFA is expected to officially reveal the referee and the complete officiating team for the Spain vs Argentina final in the days leading up to Sunday’s showdown, which will be officially announced between Thursday and Friday.

The governing body typically considers neutrality, overall tournament performances, fitness, disciplinary control and consistency before making the final appointment.

With Spain aiming to lift their second FIFA World Cup title and Argentina chasing back-to-back crowns, the referee selected for the final will have the responsibility of officiating one of the biggest matches in world football.

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