Ticket-scanning glitch causes queues and confusion before World Cup final

A technical fault with FIFA's ticket-scanning system caused long queues and confusion outside MetLife Stadium ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, raising the prospect of empty seats at kick-off.

The match in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is scheduled to start at 8pm BST at a venue with a capacity of 80,663. Supporters reported lengthy waits at entry points, with some directed towards the wrong sections of the ground as they tried to get inside.

What happened

The scanning problems compounded an already demanding entry process. FIFA had advised ticket-holders to be in their seats four hours before kick-off, with the closing ceremony beginning at 6.30pm BST, around 90 minutes before the match. Reports from outside the stadium suggested that even arriving six hours early might not have been enough for some fans, and that those who left it later risked missing the start.

• FIFA's ticket-scanning system failed, creating long queues at entry points
• Some supporters were misdirected to the wrong areas of MetLife Stadium
• Hundreds of seats could remain empty when the final kicks off at 8pm BST
• FIFA had recommended fans take their seats four hours before kick-off
• The closing ceremony was scheduled for 6.30pm BST, before the match

Security and ticket prices

Security arrangements at the stadium were stepped up for the final, with President Donald Trump in attendance — the first match of the tournament he has attended, according to reports. talkSPORT's Adrian Durham, speaking from outside the ground, said the increased security operation had contributed to the scale of the queues.

The disruption comes at a significant cost to supporters. Tickets for the final were being sold by FIFA at up to around £8,333, making them the most expensive general admission seats in the history of the tournament. The final is also the eighth match staged at the East Rutherford venue during the competition.

What's next

There has been no official confirmation of a delayed kick-off, and Durham indicated he considered a postponement unlikely. A half-time show featuring Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and BTS was scheduled between the first and second halves, with organisers still aiming to begin the match on time.