World Cup final chaos as furious fans forced to wait HOURS to enter stadium

View 2 Images

The

2026 World Cup

final has already been blighted by chaos before the game, with supporters struggling to enter MetLife Stadium.

The arena - which is located a way away from Manhattan - has been criticised throughout the tournament for its unsuitability for the final. And

FIFA

’s decision to hand the game to the stadium now looks even more baffling given the troubles that both fans and members of the media have faced in attempting to enter.

Even five hours before kick-off, some members of security suggested that FIFA’s ticketing system was throwing out glitches, making it tricky to allow people entry.

That forced organisers to encourage fans, workers and members of the media to get to the stadium as early as possible. But that only worsened the issue, with long queues forming around the stadium, with many of those taking hours to clear. Those not at the stadium early were also met with long delays at Penn Station, ahead of even travelling to the stadium itself.

The presence of US president

Donald Trump

also appeared to make the situation even worse. Despite a heightened security presence due to his attendance, there was a lack of real organisation, with many in attendance given wrong instructions on where to enter.

It wasn’t just fans who bore the brunt of the problems. Accredited media also found it frustrating to gain admission due to Trump’s attendance.

Extra Secret Service security checks were completed on their equipment, with many members of the press also facing delays of hours to get in.

Leading up to the final, there have also been concerns about the

weather

. New York was hit with heavy thunderstorms on the eve of the game, which saw Spain cancel their pre-match training session. Flash flooding also hit the region.

And with the stadium having no roof, the final itself would also face delays due to lightning protocols, albeit the weather cleared on Sunday. There have also been worries about the air quality ahead of the game, with a brutal smog having surrounded both New York and New Jersey due to wildfires in Canada.

Away from the issues getting into the stadium, fans have also let their frustrations be known at MetLife being selected for the final. There is very little around the stadium - allowing for the American Dream Mall a 20 minute walk away - while prices for food and drinks inside are also extortionate, with ticket prices through the roof.

The stadium’s pitch has also been criticised throughout the tournament. Brazil star Vinicius Jr was among those to take aim at the playing service last month.

He said: "That makes things difficult because we want to play. We want to move the ball from one side to the other and this disrupts our game. But we have to adapt because I believe it will be like this all tournament."

Content cannot be displayed without consent