Security for Trump causes hours-long delays at World Cup final

Chaos engulfed MetLife Stadium on Sunday as President Donald Trump's attendance at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina caused hours-long delays for fans and media attempting to enter the venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Lockdown Conditions at MetLife

Trump arrived at the stadium accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, with Marine One helicopters flying over the venue after the president landed at Teterboro Airport. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum joined Trump in the VIP section, marking their first in-person meeting since December. The security operation transformed MetLife Stadium into what one outlet described as a "bunker," with drones enforcing restricted airspace, elevated police positions inside the stadium, and F-16 fighter jets on standby.cbsnews+4

Fans reported waiting more than two hours just to pass through security checkpoints, while accredited journalists faced waits exceeding three hours amid contradictory information from organizers. The problems were compounded by technical glitches with ticket scanners at the gates, adding to the disorder outside the 82,500-capacity venue.sports.yahoo+4

A Temporary Flight Restriction grounded private aviation across the New York metropolitan region from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., according to a memo obtained by the New York Post, leaving wealthy jet travelers scrambling for alternatives.

The match doubled as a diplomatic occasion. Sheinbaum accepted Trump's invitation to attend, their first meeting since a December encounter at the World Cup draw in Washington. Argentina's President Javier Milei notably declined Trump's invitation, citing superstition. Spain's King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also attended from the Spanish delegation.as+2

The White House had confirmed Trump's attendance on Thursday, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt noting the president would attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower ↘ 6.01% on Friday before Sunday's final. FIFA announced that gates would open at 11:00 a.m. ET, with the closing ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m., 90 minutes before the 3:00 p.m. kickoff. Despite those early openings, the security apparatus overwhelmed the stadium's entry capacity, leaving thousands stranded outside as kickoff approached.metlifestadium+3