Trump's Security Presence Causes Major Delays
The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium was thrown into chaos on Sunday evening due to security measures surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump's attendance. Thousands of fans and media personnel faced lengthy queues outside the venue, with the closing ceremony delayed by over an hour.
Sky journalist Rob Harris reported that the closing ceremony, scheduled to start 90 minutes before kick-off at 8pm BST, had not begun by 6.45pm. He noted that Secret Service agents were stationed at entrances due to Trump's expected arrival. According to Mirror US, fighter jets and military personnel were deployed, and all attendees required Secret Service screening.
Logistical Breakdown at MetLife Stadium
The disruption was not limited to security. Entry points struggled to cope with demand, causing extensive delays for supporters and media. Guardian journalist Sid Lowe described the situation as "absolutely chaotic" on X, later calling it a "total sh**show." Spanish newspaper AS reported that over 2,000 journalists waited up to three hours to enter. One reporter said: "I've been here since 8:55. They were supposed to open the doors to the press at 9:00. It's almost 11:00, and I'll easily have to wait another hour and a half."
Despite the chaos, FIFA confirmed the match would start as scheduled, avoiding the thunderstorms that had plagued earlier matches in the tournament. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has seen multiple delays due to lightning within an eight-mile radius of stadiums, requiring a 30-minute halt after each strike.
High-Profile Attendees and Match Stakes
Trump reportedly convinced Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to join him at the match. Brazilian football legend Ronaldo and Hollywood actor Tom Cruise were also spotted arriving before kick-off. Spain aims for their second World Cup title after 2010, while Argentina seeks to defend their 2022 victory over France.
