Security at the MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has been significantly increased due to the attendance of US President Donald Trump. The US Secret Service is conducting individual body and bag searches of every fan, leading to concerns that all 82,500 ticket holders may not get into the ground before kickoff, according to a Guardian report.
Security measures and delays
The match has been designated a National Special Security Event, with thousands of Secret Service agents on duty and helicopters flying overhead five hours before kickoff. A US Secret Service agent told The Guardian: “Everyone will be thoroughly searched. It’s going to be an interesting day.”
Staff and media began queuing at 8am, with the crowd swelling to around 10,000 by the time gates opened at 9am. All staff were funnelled through one entrance with only two stewards scanning accreditation passes, followed by six airport scanners and individual body searches. Celebrities like Jürgen Klopp, working as a pundit for Magenta before becoming Germany coach, were also subject to long waits.
Trump is due to arrive on Marine One in the hour before kickoff and will present the trophy to the winning team, adding complications to an already logistically challenging event for FIFA. The stadium is notoriously inaccessible, and New Jersey Transit train prices from Manhattan have been increased to $98, likely adding to traffic congestion.
Match buildup and predictions
Spain enter the final unbeaten in 37 matches in normal or extra time, equalling the best such stretch by a European team, according to Opta. However, they lost the 2025 Nations League final to Portugal on penalties. Argentina, defending champions, rely heavily on Lionel Messi, with one fan noting that “with Messi anything is possible.”
Will Unwin predicts a 2-0 Spain win, citing Spain’s midfield dominance and the challenge for Argentina’s Nicolás Tagliafico against Lamine Yamal. He suggests that if Spain bring on Pedri and Nico Williams later, they could pull away. Daniel Harris also leans toward Spain but acknowledges the lift Argentina gets from their fans, who are expected to fill the stadium.
Fan rituals and commentary choices
Fans shared their pre-match rituals, with one emailer describing an Argentina shirt that has been unlucky when worn. The game will be broadcast on ITV and BBC in the UK, with viewers debating which commentary team to follow. Some expressed preference for BBC over ITV’s Sam Matterface and Lee Dixon.
Former France coach Didier Deschamps, whose team lost the third-place match 6-4 to England, said he left due to a “stifling atmosphere” around him, adding: “The French national team doesn’t deserve that.”
Celebrity arrivals and atmosphere
Tom Cruise, John Terry, Xavi Hernández, David Villa, and other football legends were seen arriving. Cookie Monster and Elmo also attended, drawing humorous comparisons to Trump and Infantino. In Times Square, Spanish and Argentina fans gathered, with merchandise on sale in Madrid.
The match kicks off at the New York/New Jersey Stadium, with Spain aiming to continue their unbeaten run and Argentina seeking to defend their title.
