Fans, media, and staff faced long delays entering the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium due to enhanced security for U.S. President Donald Trump’s attendance. The event, held Sunday, saw road closures and extended wait times as Secret Service inspections slowed entry.
Enhanced security and logistical strain
FIFA advised media and staff to arrive up to six hours early, warning of road closures 150 minutes before kickoff. Al Jazeera reporters waited two hours just to reach the initial security perimeter, while others reported waits of three hours or more. Trump’s helicopter landing near the stadium coincided with lengthy queues, as malfunctioning ticket scanners compounded frustrations.
Some accredited journalists were denied entry at the 80,000-capacity venue and redirected to the accreditation center. Fans also reported similar delays, despite warnings to arrive four hours early. Online accounts described waits exceeding two hours, with ticket scanner issues adding to the congestion.
Stadium fills despite early disruptions
By the time Spain and Argentina took the field 45 minutes before kickoff, much of the lower bowl—including most supporters’ sections—appeared full. The delays echoed past issues: the 2024 Copa America final in Miami Gardens saw a 75-minute kickoff delay after overwhelmed staff allowed unticketed fans to force entry.
No resolution to the entry delays was reported before the match began.
