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Security Restrictions Cause Long Queues at World Cup Final
The FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina reached half-time on Sunday after fans, journalists, and stadium employees faced lengthy delays entering New York New Jersey Stadium because of heightened security surrounding US President Donald Trump’s attendance.
Media and Fan Wait Times
In the 48 hours before kickoff, FIFA urged accredited media to arrive as early as six hours before the match and warned that roads around the venue would be closed 150 minutes before play began. The restrictions contributed to long queues and congestion outside the stadium.
A reporter experienced a 90-minute wait between entering the line and clearing the initial security perimeter, while other media members who arrived earlier reported wait times of three hours or more. Numerous media personnel were denied entry at the security perimeter and sent to the stadium’s accreditation center.
Despite warnings advising ticket-holders to show up four hours early, many fans reported waits of two hours or more, with some also experiencing malfunctioning ticket scanners.
Security Protocol
The delays were caused by a security protocol that included inspection by Secret Service officers, implemented due to Trump’s attendance at the match.
Historical Context
This is not the first major cup final on U.S. soil to experience logistical delays. In 2024, kickoff of the Copa America final in Miami Gardens was delayed more than 75 minutes due to overwhelmed personnel at fan entrances, with significant numbers of unticketed fans rushing turnstiles and forcing entry into the venue.
Stadium Attendance
When players first took the field roughly 45 minutes before kickoff, a healthy portion of the lower stadium bowl appeared to be full, including the overwhelming majority of both teams’ allocated supporters sections.
