Trump presence means tight security for World Cup final

What the report says

BBC Sport reported that fans encountered lengthy entry queues at New York New Jersey Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup final, where Spain were due to play Argentina on 19 July. The match was scheduled for 15:00 local time, 20:00 BST, at the 82,500-capacity venue, which was staging the tournament’s showpiece game.

According to BBC Sport, security was intensified in part because United States president Donald Trump was attending. The report said it was the only match of the World Cup he planned to watch in person, and that the United States Secret Service had taken charge of security arrangements for the final. BBC Sport said some people were waiting around two hours to enter, although it understood most supporters were able to scan tickets and get into the stadium after clearing the queues.

The outlet reported that two security layers were operating at the venue, involving both the Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration. Fans and media were required to pass through airport-style screening, and one media member said they were redirected from one entrance because no security dogs were available there to check bags.

BBC Sport said volunteers at the stadium indicated that far more people had arrived early than for the previous seven matches hosted at the venue. Gates opened four hours before kick-off, and additional gates were opened at intervals to reduce congestion. The report said there was not expected to be any delay to kick-off or other disruption to the final.