July 19 World Cup final entry chaos at MetLife Stadium

Chaos and long delays marred the entry to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 19, as tens of thousands of fans faced hours-long queues amid heightened security and technical failures. The match, scheduled for 3 p.m. local time between Argentina and Spain, was overshadowed by reports of a glitchy FIFA ticketing system, misdirected crowds, and a significant security operation due to the attendance of U.S. President Donald Trump.

Organizers had urged ticket holders to arrive up to four hours before kickoff, but many found themselves in lines stretching for over two hours just to enter the 82,500-seat venue, which has been branded New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. The primary causes cited were a combination of stringent, airport-style security screenings and malfunctions with the digital pass scanning system at the turnstiles. Journalist Rob Harris reported from the scene that security staff were informing fans of FIFA system glitches preventing passes from scanning, leading to long queues forming even for those who heeded the early arrival advice.

The security presence was intensified because President Trump, attending his...