Trump’s visit causes delays at the end of the World Cup World Cup 2026

Al Jazeera journalists on the ground faced long lines to enter the arena due to tight security.

Fans, TV crews and staff faced long lines to get in FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, who are expected to attend the President of the United States Donald Trump.

In the 48 hours before Sunday’s final at New York Stadium in New Jersey, FIFA sent emails to media workers inviting them to arrive six hours before kick-off and warning them of road closures 150 minutes before kick-off.

Among the press and staff at the stadium, the result was seen as a challenge to overcome the tight security that included surveillance by agents of the Secret Service.

Al Jazeera journalists waited for two hours between entering the queue and clearing the first stage of security. Some reporters who arrived earlier reported waits of three hours or more.

Trump’s helicopter landed near the stadium as long lines of spectators waited to get in through security checks for him.

A reporter was denied entry to the arena even though he had a race permit.

A malfunctioning ticket machine added to everyone’s frustration as they queued in the heat.

Many other media were not allowed to enter the 80,000-seat security area and were sent to the official stadium.

The same was true for many fans, according to online reports. Despite warnings advising ticket holders to arrive four hours in advance, there were many people waiting two hours or more in fan queues, with some reporting that ticket machines were malfunctioning.

However, when the players from Spain and Argentina started playing just 45 minutes before kick-off, a healthy part of the stadium appeared to be full, including more sections of the players assigned to them.

It’s not the last cup final in the US to slow down the fans.

In 2024, the Copa America final in Miami Gardens, Florida, was delayed by 75 minutes due to overcrowding.

Many fans who didn’t get tickets rushed in and forced their way in before police worked slowly to remove those who didn’t get paid as the game progressed.