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Hours before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, massive queues formed outside. The extensive security checks, prompted by the anticipated presence of US President Donald Trump, were the cause of the delays.
US Secret Service agents were individually screening every person and bag for the match, for which 82,500 tickets had been sold. This led to concerns that not all fans would make it into the stadium before kickoff. A Secret Service agent told The Guardian that every supporter would undergo airport-style screening.
Thousands of Secret Service agents were deployed around the stadium, with helicopters circling overhead five hours before the final began. President Trump was expected to arrive via Marine One approximately an hour before the match and present the trophy after its conclusion.
Queues started forming as early as 8 AM local time, as event staff and journalists began to enter. By 9 AM, when gates opened to fans, thousands had already gathered. Even celebrities received no special treatment, with Jürgen Klopp reportedly spending a considerable amount of time in line to enter the stadium.
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