Following the conclusion of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, official figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reveal that 175 international visitors who traveled to Canada for the tournament have formally applied for asylum.
Among those seeking refugee protection are 10 Nigerian citizens, alongside nationals from several other African, Asian, and South American nations.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that Canada co-hosted the global tournament alongside the United States and Mexico, hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
To facilitate travel for fans, team contingents, and media, Canadian authorities issued over 26,000 FIFA-related temporary visas.
According to IRCC data released as of July 20, 2026, 175 visitors who specifically flagged “FIFA World Cup 26” on their temporary residence applications later filed asylum claims in the country.
The immigration department, however, declined to disclose how many of the asylum seekers were football players, team officials, support staff or ordinary fans.
The figures showed that Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims, with 25 visitors applying for refugee protection after the tournament.
Egypt and Colombia each recorded 15 claims, while Senegal had 10. Ecuador accounted for five claims among countries whose national teams participated in matches hosted by Canada.
Among countries that did not qualify for the tournament but whose citizens travelled to Canada during the World Cup period, Kenya recorded 15 asylum claims, while China, Bangladesh and Nigeria each accounted for 10.
Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan recorded five claims each.
IRCC also disclosed that an additional five asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations rather than temporary resident visas.
Responding to enquiries on the figures, the department said, “As of July 20, 2026, of the 26,111 individuals with prior FIFA-related approved temporary residence applications, 175 people later submitted asylum claims.
“It is important to note that this data only includes applicants who flagged ‘FIFA World Cup 26’ in their temporary residence applications.”
The department noted that the number could still increase if more visitors overstayed their visas and later filed refugee claims.
Before the tournament, Canadian authorities repeatedly warned that possessing a World Cup match ticket did not guarantee a visa or entry into the country.
Officials said visa applications would be carefully scrutinised and travellers could be denied entry if immigration officers believed they might not leave Canada after the competition.
According to The Globe and Mail, Canadian immigration consultant Andy Semotiuk had disclosed before the tournament that several Ghanaian visa applicants were refused entry permits over concerns they might remain in Canada.
Toronto-based immigration lawyer Stephen Green described the post-tournament figures as relatively low compared to the more than 26,000 visas issued, noting that they reflected the effective screening by Canadian immigration authorities.
Canada has experienced similar asylum claims linked to major sporting events in the past, including during the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Asylum claims by nationality
Participating countries
- Ghana — 25
- Egypt — 15
- Colombia — 15
- Senegal — 10
- Ecuador — 5
Non-participating countries
- Kenya — 15
- China — 10
- Bangladesh — 10
- Nigeria — 10
- Burundi — 5
- Nepal — 5
- Pakistan — 5
