Trump presence means long queues for World Cup final

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Trump presence means long queues for World Cup finalImage source, SportImage caption, There were significant queues outside New York New Jersey Stadium more than four hours before kick-offByEmma SmithBBC Sport journalistPublished12 minutes agoSupporters are facing hours of queues to get into New York New Jersey Stadium amid heightened security for the 2026 World Cup final. Spain face Argentina at the 82,500-seater venue, with kick-off at 15:00 local time (20:00 BST). There is increased security partly because United States president Donald Trump is attending the final - the only World Cup match he is watching in person.

As a result, the United States Secret Service has taken over security for the game - leading to long waits for supporters to get into the ground. Sport understands people are having to queue for about two hours. Image source, SportImage caption, Spain face Argentina in the final in New Jersey with kick-off at 20:00 BSTThere are two levels of security at the stadium, run by both the Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

The Details

The latter is usually responsible for security at airports in the United States, with fans and media having to go through airport security-style scanners. One member of the media said they, having reached an entrance, were told to go to a different queue as there were no security dogs available to search bags at that gate. Sport has been told by World Cup volunteers at the ground that the number of people arriving early before the game was much more than the previous seven matches at the stadium.

Gates opened for supporters at 11:00 local time - four hours before kick-off - with more gates being opened sporadically to ease congestion. It is not thought there will be any delay to kick-off or any other disruption to the match at this stage.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.