Chaos Before World Cup Final in New Jersey
Fans with World Cup tickets experienced significant disarray ahead of the final on Sunday in New Jersey. Some attendees found themselves waiting for over 10 hours just to enter a viewing party in Manhattan.
Notably, many Argentina supporters were spotted walking precariously across the freeway near MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, seemingly trying to get closer to the venue. It’s uncertain whether they had tickets or not.
A shocking video showed a group of individuals rushing to cross the highway, leaping over the median while vehicles sped past them. They quickly navigated three lanes before disappearing into a wooded area by the stadium.
Footage from outside the venue depicted a long, snaking line of fans and media trying to gain entry for the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
“I’ve been waiting for two hours just to get my ticket checked to enter the stadium,” tweeted El Globo TV reporter Mariana Spinelli, expressing her frustration. “It’s complete chaos. If this were in South America, they’d call us animals. No one speaks up here because it’s the U.S., but this is just pathetic.”
Reporters from the New York Post confirmed similar, if not longer, wait times at MetLife Stadium prior to the match.
Many involved in the chaos suggested that delays stemmed from increased security measures, particularly due to the Secret Service’s presence ahead of a certain VIP’s arrival.
Megan Swanick, writing for ESPN and Bleacher Report, remarked, “Three hours before kickoff, the press line for security checks is a major hold-up.”
According to Sky Sports, fans also faced technical difficulties with the FIFA ticketing system, complicating their entry. Some spectators criticized stadium officials for providing unclear directions, leading to even longer wait times.
Bruno Rodriguez, a sports reporter for CNN Brazil, shared his experience: “We were told to go to another entrance, only to find we couldn’t get in. Then they pushed us back to our original line.”
Jay Busby, a senior writer for Yahoo Sports, shared his frustration on social media while stuck in line under the blazing sun. “The line to enter the stadium wraps five times around the inside. It feels like a sweet roll, but sweatier.”
Meanwhile, in New York City, fans began waiting outside Rockefeller Center as early as 4:30 a.m. for a World Cup finals viewing party organized by FIFA and Telemundo. By late morning, as hundreds gathered to watch the match live, a nearby doorman remarked on the early turnout, “I had no idea people would line up at 4 a.m. for a 3 p.m. game.”
The viewing event had tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis leading up to kickoff.
