Supporters heading to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday are facing queues of around two hours to enter the venue, with security dramatically ramped up due to the presence of United States president Donald Trump.

Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 local time (20:00 BST) at the 82,500-capacity ground, and gates were opened for fans four hours early — at 11:00 local time — to manage the unprecedented flow of supporters. Additional gates were opened sporadically throughout the morning to ease congestion.

Airport-style security slows entry

The United States Secret Service has assumed full responsibility for security at the match, marking Trump's only in-person attendance at a World Cup fixture during the tournament. Alongside the Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) — the agency normally tasked with airport screening across the United States — is also operating at the stadium.

Fans and media personnel are being processed through airport-style scanners as part of the two-tier security system. One journalist on the ground reported being redirected from one entrance to another after being told that no security dogs were available to search bags at that gate.

World Cup volunteers at the stadium told BBC Sport that the number of supporters arriving before the game far exceeded those seen ahead of any of the previous seven matches held at the venue.

No disruption to kick-off expected

Despite the extensive delays at the turnstiles, there are no indications at this stage that kick-off will be pushed back or that the match itself will be affected in any way. Officials appear confident the situation at the gates will be resolved before the game begins.

Spain face Argentina in what promises to be one of the most-watched finals in World Cup history, with the added spectacle of a sitting United States president in attendance elevating the occasion further.