Nigerians and Ghanaians are among 175 foreign visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and later applied for asylum, according to official figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The data, published by the Canadian immigration department, showed that the asylum claims were filed by people who identified themselves as World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications.
Canada co-hosted the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup with the United States and Mexico, hosting 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver. More than 26,000 temporary visas linked to the tournament were issued by Canadian authorities.
Spain won the tournament after defeating defending champions Argentina in the final.
Nigeria among countries with asylum claims
According to IRCC, Nigeria recorded 10 asylum claims, placing it among the countries with the highest number of applications from World Cup visitors who remained in Canada after the tournament.
The immigration department said the figures only cover visitors who specifically indicated “FIFA World Cup 26” in their visa applications.
“As of July 20, 2026, of the 26,111 individuals with prior FIFA-related approved temporary residence applications, 175 people later submitted asylum claims,” IRCC said.
“It is important to note that this data only includes applicants who flagged ‘FIFA World Cup 26’ in their temporary residence applications.”
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IRCC declined to disclose how many of the claimants were players, team officials, support staff or ordinary supporters.
Ghana records highest number of claims
Among countries whose national teams participated in matches hosted by Canada, Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims with 25.
Egypt and Colombia each accounted for 15 claims, while Senegal and Nigeria recorded 10 each. Ecuador had five claims.
For countries that did not feature at the World Cup but whose citizens travelled to Canada during the tournament period, Kenya recorded 15 asylum applications.
China, Bangladesh and Nigeria each accounted for 10 claims, while Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan recorded five claims each.
IRCC also confirmed that five additional asylum claims came from travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations rather than temporary resident visas.
Figures could rise
Canadian immigration authorities noted that the number of asylum claims could still increase if more visitors overstay their visas before seeking refugee protection.
Before the tournament, the Canadian government repeatedly stressed that purchasing a World Cup ticket did not guarantee a visa or admission into the country.
Officials warned that visa applications would undergo extensive screening and that travellers could be refused visas or denied entry if immigration officers believed they were unlikely to leave Canada after the competition.
Work permit exemptions for FIFA personnel
Ahead of the tournament, Canada temporarily waived work permit requirements for FIFA-accredited personnel, including players, coaches, referees, match officials and medical staff, allowing them to enter the country on visitor visas.
Canada has previously recorded asylum claims linked to major international sporting events, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Full list of asylum claims by nationality
Participating countries
Ghana — 25
Egypt — 15
Colombia — 15
Senegal — 10
Nigeria — 10
Ecuador — 5
Non-participating countries
Kenya — 15
China — 10
Bangladesh — 10
Nigeria — 10
Burundi — 5
Nepal — 5
Pakistan — 5
