Trump visit slows stadium entry before World Cup final
Fans, media and staff faced long waits at the Spain-Argentina final as security was tightened for Donald Trump’s expected attendance.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
3 min read
Fans, media workers and stadium employees faced long lines before the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina as security was tightened for United States President Donald Trump’s expected attendance, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. The delays affected access to New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday ahead of one of the tournament’s biggest events.
FIFA had warned media staff in the 48 hours before the match to arrive as early as six hours before kickoff, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The governing body also told media workers that road closures would begin 150 minutes before the game.
Al Jazeera and Reuters reported that the early buildup produced a crush of media and stadium employees trying to clear security checks that included inspections by Secret Service agents. Al Jazeera reporters said they waited two hours from joining the queue to clearing the first security perimeter.
Other journalists who arrived earlier reported waits of at least three hours, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. One reporter was refused entry despite holding tournament accreditation, while numerous media workers were turned away at the security perimeter and directed to the stadium’s accreditation centre, the outlets reported.
Trump’s helicopter landed next to the stadium while spectators were still waiting in long lines, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The outlets reported that fans were being put through enhanced security checks tied to the president’s visit.
Malfunctioning ticket scanners added to the delays for people waiting outside in hot conditions, Al Jazeera and Reuters reported. Online reports cited by the outlets said many fans also faced long waits, including queues of two hours or more, despite earlier advice for ticket-holders to arrive four hours ahead of kickoff.
The congestion did not leave the stadium empty close to kickoff, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. When Spain and Argentina players first came onto the field about 45 minutes before the match was due to start, much of the lower bowl appeared occupied, including most of the designated supporters’ sections, the outlets reported.
The venue was described by Al Jazeera and Reuters as an 80,000-capacity stadium. The final drew heavy attention in the New York area, with supporters of both teams gathering for the Spain-Argentina matchup.
Earlier problems at a US final
Al Jazeera and Reuters noted that the 2026 World Cup final was not the first major cup final in the United States to face entry problems. In 2024, the Copa America final in Miami Gardens, Florida, had its kickoff pushed back by about 75 minutes after staff at fan entrances were overwhelmed, the outlets reported.
During that event, large numbers of people without tickets rushed turnstiles and forced their way in before law enforcement worked to remove those without paid admission as the match continued, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.