As fans and media flocked to MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, many encountered significant delays. Issues with ticket scanning, stringent security checks, and poor crowd management led to frustration among attendees. Organizers had recommended that spectators arrive up to four hours prior to the match at the 80,000-capacity venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey, due to heightened security measures linked to the attendance of US President Donald Trump.

However, the situation deteriorated as reports emerged of technical glitches in FIFA's ticket scanning system, compounded by confusion among security personnel directing fans. Sky Sports journalist Rob Harris shared on social media, "Fans were advised to arrive four hours early, but security staff reported issues with the FIFA system not scanning tickets, leading to long lines. Extra security measures only added to the chaos, with many being misdirected due to insufficient staffing." Brazilian journalist Mariana Spinelli echoed these sentiments, stating, "We've been waiting for two hours just to get through the x-ray. It's complete disarray. If this were in South America, we’d be labeled as animals, but since it’s in the US, no one says anything. It’s a nightmare of organization."

According to reports, tensions flared between fans, accredited media, and security staff, with some officials advising those expressing dissatisfaction to "take it up with FIFA." Media representatives faced additional scrutiny due to their equipment, including cameras and laptops. A visible presence of Secret Service agents, Department of Homeland Security officials, and state police heightened the atmosphere around the stadium.

Meanwhile, some fans were still at New York's Penn Station waiting for trains to New Jersey hours before the match, while others remained in line outside the stadium as security checks persisted. FIFA had urged ticket holders to arrive early for the tournament's closing ceremony, set to start approximately 90 minutes before the game. Despite the chaos, VIP guests seemed to enter the venue without issues. Notable figures like actor Tom Cruise and former footballers Ronaldo, John Terry, and Diego Simeone were spotted arriving ahead of the ceremony. This final is anticipated to be Lionel Messi's last World Cup appearance for Argentina, with President Trump expected to present the trophy to the winning team after the match.