Supporters faced queues of up to two hours outside MetLife Stadium ahead of the 2026 World Cup final — delays caused by heightened security for United States president Donald Trump, who attended the only match he watched in person. The United States Secret Service took over security for the game, running two levels of checks alongside the Transportation Security Administration, which normally handles airport security. One member of the media was told to join a different queue because no security dogs were available to search bags at their gate. Volunteers said the number of early arrivals was far higher than at any of the previous seven matches at the venue. Gates opened at 11:00 local time, four hours before kick-off, with more opened sporadically to ease congestion. Despite the chaos, organisers said the match would not be delayed.
Trump, speaking to Fox before the game, revealed he was backing Argentina, saying, "It's hard to bet against Messi." He described Lionel Messi's assist in the semi-final against England as "perfect". He added that he had an idea for Fifa president Gianni Infantino to host the next World Cup in two countries, and confirmed the US would "be requesting it again immediately". Trump is set to present the trophy to the winners.
“Fans faced two-hour queues at World Cup final as Trump security and ticketing glitches caused chaos.”
At half-time, with the score 0-0, Brazil legends Ronaldo and Ronaldinho joined Madonna on a cart to kick off a 27-minute-19-second show. Justin Bieber performed an acoustic version of 'Everything Hallelujah', while Shakira and Burna Boy sang the official anthem 'Dai, Dai'. Coldplay's Chris Martin curated the show. Reactions were mixed: Wayne Rooney called it "crap" on the BBC, Gary Neville said he "enjoyed it", and Roy Keane said, "It was a bit of an anti-climax, but listen, it's so nice to see Shakira." Ian Wright noted that "Ronaldinho's tracksuit looked massive." Robbie Williams had performed before the match.
During the game, Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez limped off with an injury, dealing a major blow to his club. The stadium's pitch had already been criticised by Brazil star Vinicius Jr, who said, "That makes things difficult because we want to play." The weather had threatened disruption — thunderstorms had forced Spain to cancel their pre-match training session, and flash flooding hit the region, though skies cleared on Sunday. The air quality was also a concern due to smog from Canadian wildfires. Fans have been critical of MetLife's selection for the final, citing extortionate prices and little around the stadium except the American Dream Mall, a 20-minute walk away.