Supporters faced hours of queues to enter the New York New Jersey Stadium for the 2026 World Cup final due to heightened security measures, reportedly exacerbated by the presence of former President Donald Trump.
Two security layers, managed by the Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), were in effect. The TSA's airport-style scanners were used for fan and media screenings. In some instances, media personnel were directed to different queues because security dogs were unavailable for bag checks at certain entry points.
Volunteers at the stadium noted that the number of early arrivals for the final significantly exceeded attendance at the previous seven matches held at the venue. Gates opened at 11:00 local time, four hours before the scheduled kick-off, with additional gates opening periodically to help alleviate congestion. Despite the delays, there were no immediate indications of a delayed start to the match or other disruptions.