World Cup final day got off to a chaotic start at MetLife Stadium with fans forced to wait for hours outside of the venue amid reports of technological glitches scanning tickets and security staff unsure of how to manage the crowds.
Organizers this week urged fans lucky enough to have a ticket to arrive up to four hours before the start of the game at the 80,000-seater stadium in New Jersey, a short drive outside of Manhattan, for Sunday’s showdown between Spain and Argentina.
The attendance of President Donald Trump means airport-style security measures are being enforced for everyone making their way inside of the venue.
But the delays were compounded amid reports of glitches in FIFA’s ticket-scanning system, meaning those who were fortunate enough to be at the front of the long lines still faced frustrating delays.
Daily Mail also witnessed tensions simmering between fans, media members and security staff, with officials on the ground telling anyone who complained: ‘Take it up with FIFA’.
But those members of security staff also appeared to be confused over how to manage the thousands of people arriving for the game.
Thousands of fans and media members faced massive lines to enter the stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday amid several reports of security struggling to manage the situation
There were reports to tech issues and security misdirecting people around the stadium
Argentina fans arrive at MetLife Stadium before Sunday’s hugely anticipated final vs Spain
There were multiple instances of organizers on the ground misdirecting people over where they should begin lining up to enter the stadium with over three hours to go until the start of the game.
Sky’s Rob Harris also posted on X from the stadium: ‘Fans told to get to the World Cup final stadium now 4 hours before KO – already security staff saying FIFA system glitches not scanning passes and long queues forming. With extra security. People being misdirected around the stadium with a lack of stewarding and staffing.’
Media members also faced extra checks from the secret service given the need to bring laptops and filming equipment inside of the stadium. DHS police and state police were also seen at the venue.
This all played out as other fans decided to leave it late to get to the stadium. With four hours to go utnil the game began, many supporters were still at Penn Station in Manhattan waiting to board a train into New Jersey and towards the stadium.
The game is set to be the most expensive to attend in the history of sport – on Sunday morning, the cheapest ticket available on most resale websites was starting at around $7,000.
FIFA encouraged fans to arrive early in order to participate in the World Cup closing ceremony, scheduled to begin around 90 minutes before the game itself kicks off.
But it is standard procedure for fans to arrive early for additional security checks whenever Trump attends a sporting event – and he has made it to plenty in his second term as President, ranging from the Ryder Cup to the Super Bowl.
Even on the live television coverage, the stadium was bare with a little over an hour until that closing ceremony began.
Extra security checks were in place ahead of the attendance of President Trump for the game
Tom Cruise had no such issue making his way inside before his closing ceremony appearance
There weren’t quite as many issues for the VIP guests, though. Tom Cruise was pictured sauntering into the venue – renamed as ‘New York/New Jersey Stadium’ for the tournament – ahead of his anticipated appearance in the closing ceremony.
Soccer greats such as Brazil World Cup winner Ronaldo, former England captain John Terry and former Argentina player Diego Simeone all appeared carefree as they entered the stadium in good time before the game.
There were plenty of fans who were determined not to let the chaos ruin their day, too. Thousands of Argentina fans have made the journey to the stadium for what will likely be star man Lionel Messi’s last ever appearance in a World Cup at the age of 39.
Argentina are narrow underdogs against Spain, the European champions, despite being the holders after winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
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