Vincic takes charge of Jordan vs Algeria as both sides face World Cup elimination

Slavko Vincic will referee Jordan vs Algeria in San Francisco, with the Group J fixture effectively a must-not-lose game for both sides at World Cup 2026. The Slovenian official is joined by compatriot assistants Tomaz Klancnik and Andraz Kovacic.

Jordan, making their World Cup debut, fell to a 3-1 defeat against Austria in their opener, while Algeria were beaten 3-0 by Argentina in a game dominated by Lionel Messi. With reigning champions Argentina still to come for Jordan, and both teams pointless after one round, defeat in San Francisco would leave either side facing an almost certain early exit from Group J.

Vincic, 46, is one of Europe’s most experienced officials. He took charge of Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the 2024 Champions League final at Wembley, and has already officiated at this tournament — presiding over Brazil’s 1-1 draw with Morocco in New Jersey. He also refereed Bayern Munich’s 4-3 win over Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final last season, a match in which he issued six yellow cards and two reds.

His card statistics across the 2025/26 season paint a more measured picture overall. In 27 matches tracked on Transfermarkt, Vincic has shown 106 yellow cards and five reds — an average of just under four bookings per game and a dismissal roughly every five matches.

Chelsea supporters will recognise his name from two recent European nights: he refereed their last-16 second leg against Paris Saint-Germain, which they lost 3-0, and their 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the league phase.

Jamaica’s Oshane Nation will serve as fourth official in San Francisco, with Caleb Wales of Trinidad and Tobago as reserve assistant referee.

Jordan are chasing their first-ever World Cup point, though a win may be the minimum required given Argentina await in their final group game. Algeria, meanwhile, are hoping to replicate their 2014 campaign — the last time they qualified for the finals — when they reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history.