Trump visit causes logistical delays at World Cup final

Logistical challenges and enhanced security measures created significant delays for spectators, media, and staff attempting to enter the New York New Jersey Stadium for the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. The increased security was largely attributed to the expected presence of President Donald Trump.

FIFA had issued advance warnings to media members, advising them to arrive as early as six hours before kick-off and notifying them of road closures implemented 150 minutes prior to the match. Despite these advisories, Al Jazeera reporters encountered a two-hour wait to clear the initial security perimeter, with some other media members reporting waits of three hours or more. Trump's helicopter landed adjacent to the stadium as long lines of spectators were still waiting to enter.

Compounding the frustration, malfunctioning ticket scanners added to the delays. Numerous media personnel were denied entry at the security checkpoint and redirected to the stadium's accreditation center. Similar issues were reported by fans, with many facing waits of two hours or more, despite being advised to arrive four hours early. The stadium, with a capacity of 80,000, saw a substantial portion of its lower bowl filled by the time the players took the field, including the majority of allocated supporters' sections for both teams.

This is not the first major cup final in the U.S. to experience such entry problems. In 2024, the Copa America final in Miami Gardens, Florida, faced a delay of over 75 minutes due to overwhelmed fan entrances, where unticketed individuals rushed turnstiles and forced entry.