Trump visit causes logistical delays at World Cup final

Key Points:

• Fans, media workers, and stadium employees faced long queues and delays entering the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium, exacerbated by enhanced security measures due to the expected presence of US President Donald Trump.
• FIFA advised media staff to arrive up to six hours before kickoff and warned of road closures, but many still experienced wait times of two to three hours at security checkpoints, with some media personnel denied entry despite having accreditation.
• Malfunctioning ticket scanners and strict security checks caused frustration among fans, who also reported waiting two hours or more to enter despite recommendations to arrive four hours early.
• Despite the delays, the stadium appeared largely full in the lower bowl and supporters' sections by the time players took the field 45 minutes before kickoff.
• Similar logistical issues have occurred at previous major soccer events in the US, including a significant delay and security breach at the 2024 Copa America final in Miami Gardens.