At least 10 Nigerians are among the 175 visitors who applied for asylum in Canada after travelling to the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to official figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The figures, published by the IRCC and reported by The Globe and Mail, revealed that as of July 20, 2026, a total of 175 people who identified themselves as FIFA World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications later sought refugee protection in Canada.
Canada co-hosted the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, with Toronto and Vancouver hosting 13 matches during the tournament. More than 26,000 visas were issued to visitors connected to the competition.
However, Canadian immigration authorities did not disclose how many of the asylum seekers were football players, team officials, support staff or ordinary fans.
According to the IRCC, only applicants who indicated “FIFA World Cup 26” in their temporary residence applications were included in the figures.
“As of July 20, 2026, of the 26,111 individuals with prior FIFA-related approved temporary residence applications, 175 people later submitted asylum claims,” the department said.
The agency also noted that the number could still increase if more visitors overstayed their visas and later applied for asylum.
Countries With the Highest Asylum Claims
Among countries whose national teams participated in World Cup matches hosted in Canada, Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum applications with 25 claims. Egypt and Colombia followed with 15 claims each, while Senegal recorded 10 and Ecuador had five.
For countries that did not qualify for the tournament but whose citizens travelled to Canada during the World Cup period, Kenya recorded the highest number with 15 claims, while Nigeria, China, and Bangladesh each recorded 10. Burundi, Nepal, and Pakistan each had five asylum claims.
The IRCC also disclosed that five additional asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using Electronic Travel Authorisations (eTAs) instead of temporary resident visas.
Canada Says Screening Measures Worked
Before the World Cup, Canadian authorities repeatedly warned that purchasing a match ticket did not guarantee a visa or entry into the country. Immigration officials said visa applications would be thoroughly assessed, and travellers could be denied entry if there were concerns they might remain in Canada after the tournament.
According to The Globe and Mail, immigration consultant Andy Semotiuk had earlier revealed that several visa applications from Ghana were rejected over fears that applicants might overstay.
Toronto-based immigration lawyer Stephen Green described the 175 asylum claims as relatively low compared to the more than 26,000 visas issued, saying the figures suggested Canada’s screening process had been effective.
Canada has recorded similar asylum claims linked to major international sporting events in the past, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Breakdown of Asylum Claims by Nationality
Participating Countries
- Ghana — 25 asylum claims
- Egypt — 15 asylum claims
- Colombia — 15 asylum claims
- Senegal — 10 asylum claims
- Ecuador — 5 asylum claims
Non-Participating Countries
- Kenya — 15 asylum claims
- China — 10 asylum claims
- Bangladesh — 10 asylum claims
- Nigeria — 10 asylum claims
- Burundi — 5 asylum claims
- Nepal — 5 asylum claims
- Pakistan — 5 asylum claims
Source: The Globe and Mail / Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
