EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — Fans, media members, and employees faced significant delays entering New York New Jersey Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, 2026, between Spain and Argentina. The event was expected to be attended by US President Donald Trump, prompting heightened security protocols.

In the 48 hours leading up to the final, FIFA advised media members via email to arrive up to six hours before kickoff and warned of road closures starting 150 minutes prior. Despite these warnings, many experienced long waits. A Field Level Media reporter reported a 90-minute wait to clear the initial security perimeter, while other media members reported wait times exceeding three hours. Numerous media personnel were denied entry at the stadium's security perimeter and redirected to the accreditation center.

Fans also encountered delays, with reports of queue times exceeding two hours and some ticket scanners malfunctioning, despite advisories to arrive four hours early. Online reports indicated similar entry difficulties for many fans.

When players from Spain and Argentina took the field approximately 45 minutes before kickoff, a substantial portion of the lower stadium bowl was already filled, including the majority of the teams' allocated supporter sections. However, a large number of unticketed fans attempted to force entry by rushing turnstiles. Law enforcement gradually cleared those without paid admission as the match progressed.

Heightened security measures included inspections by Secret Service officers, contributing to the early entry crunch for media and employees.

Sources