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World Cup 2026: Donald Trump attendance means long queues for final in New Jersey

BBC Published Jul 19, 2026 Reviewed Jul 19, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors
The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was held at New York New Jersey Stadium, a venue with a capacity of 82,500 seats.
Gates opened for supporters at 11:00 local time—four hours before the 15:00 local time (20:00 BST) kick-off of the 2026 World Cup final.
United States Secret Service took over security for the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium because President Donald Trump was attending, the only World Cup match he watched in person.
Two levels of security were implemented at the 2026 World Cup final, with the United States Secret Service and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) jointly responsible.
Supporters at the 2026 World Cup final at New York New Jersey Stadium queued for about two hours on average before entry, according to BBC Sport.

Supporters faced long queues to get into New York New Jersey Stadium amid heightened security for the 2026 World Cup final.

Spain face Argentina at the 82,500-seater venue, with kick-off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST).

There is increased security partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final - the only World Cup match he is watching in person.

As a result, the United States Secret Service took over security for the game - leading to long waits for supporters to get into the ground.

BBC Sport understands people were having to queue for about two hours.

But after the long queues, it is understood most fans had no issues scanning tickets and accessing the stadium.

There were two levels of security at the stadium, run by both the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The latter is usually responsible for security at airports in the United States, with fans and media having to go through airport security-style scanners.

One member of the media said they, having reached an entrance, were told to go to a different queue as there were no security dogs available to search bags at that gate.

BBC Sport has been told by World Cup volunteers at the ground that the number of people arriving early before the game was much higher than the previous seven matches at the stadium.

Gates opened for supporters at 11:00 local time - four hours before kick-off - with more gates being opened sporadically to ease congestion.

It is not thought there will be any delay to kick-off or any other disruption to the match.

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