Trump visit causes logistical delays ahead of World Cup final

Fans and media members experienced lengthy delays entering the New York New Jersey Stadium for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The delays stemmed from stringent security protocols, including inspections by Secret Service officers, and pre-announced road closures. FIFA had advised media to arrive as early as six hours before kickoff, warning of potential disruptions.

Many attendees reported wait times of two to three hours or more to clear initial security. Some media personnel were denied entry at the perimeter and sent to the stadium's accreditation center. The situation was similar for fans, with online reports detailing waits of two hours or more in queues, and some experiencing malfunctioning ticket scanners.

Despite the entry challenges, a significant portion of the stadium appeared full, including supporters' sections, by the time players took the field about 45 minutes before kickoff. This event echoed logistical problems at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami, which saw a kickoff delay of over 75 minutes due to overwhelmed fan entrances and a rush of unticketed individuals.