Trump visit causes logistical delays at World Cup final - Al Jazeera

What the report says

Al Jazeera, reporting with Reuters, said spectators, journalists and stadium workers encountered long entry delays before Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium. The disruption was linked to heightened security surrounding the expected attendance of United States President Donald Trump, whose helicopter was seen arriving near the venue as lines remained outside.

According to the report, FIFA had advised media personnel in the two days before the match to arrive up to six hours ahead of kickoff and warned of road closures beginning 150 minutes before the game. Al Jazeera said its reporters waited about two hours from joining the queue to passing the first security perimeter, while some journalists arriving earlier described waits of three hours or more. Security screening included checks by Secret Service agents.

The report said problems were not limited to media access. Some media workers were turned away at the perimeter and directed to the accreditation centre, and one accredited reporter was denied entry. Fans also described long waits online despite guidance to arrive four hours early, while malfunctioning ticket scanners reportedly worsened congestion in hot conditions. Even so, Al Jazeera noted that much of the lower bowl appeared occupied when the teams came out roughly 45 minutes before kickoff.

For context, the article compared the situation with the 2024 Copa America final in Miami Gardens, where kickoff was delayed after overwhelmed entry points and attempts by unticketed fans to get inside. The World Cup final delays highlight the operational strain major football events can face when large crowds, security requirements and ticketing systems converge.