Nigeria among countries whose World Cup visitors sought asylum in Canada

Nigeria is among the countries whose citizens travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and later applied for asylum, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The immigration agency disclosed that, as of July 20, a total of 175 asylum claims had been submitted by people who identified themselves as FIFA World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications.

Canada hosted 13 matches during the tournament in Toronto and Vancouver, issuing more than 26,000 visas to visitors for the competition, which was won by Spain after defeating defending champions Argentina in the final.

The IRCC, however, declined to disclose how many of the asylum applicants were football players, officials or members of team support staff.

According to the figures, Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims among World Cup visitors, with 25 applications.

Egypt and Colombia each accounted for 15 claims, while Senegal recorded 10.

The data also showed that 10 Nigerians, 10 Chinese nationals and 10 Bangladeshis filed asylum claims after travelling to Canada for the World Cup.

Kenya, despite not qualifying for the tournament, accounted for 15 claims, while Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan each recorded five.

An additional five asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations rather than visas.

The IRCC 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.”

The department added: “It is important to note that this data only includes applicants who flagged ‘FIFA World Cup 26’ in their temporary-residence applications.”

Canadian immigration officials noted that the total number of asylum claims could still increase if more visitors overstayed their visas before applying for refugee protection.

Ahead of the World Cup, Canadian authorities warned that visa applications would be carefully scrutinised to ensure visitors intended to leave the country after the tournament.

The government also cautioned that visa applications could be refused, or travellers denied entry, if officials believed they planned to remain in Canada.

The immigration department said it thoroughly assessed applications to prevent individuals from entering the country with the intention of seeking asylum.

According to a Canadian immigration consultant quoted by *The Globe and Mail*, several Ghanaians were refused visas before the tournament.

Toronto-based immigration lawyer Stephen Green said the government had handled the process effectively, noting that the number of asylum claims remained relatively low compared with the more than 26,000 visas issued to World Cup visitors.

Before the tournament, Canada temporarily waived work permit requirements for FIFA-accredited personnel, including players, coaches, referees, match officials and team medical staff, allowing them to enter the country on visitor visas.

Canada is not the first host nation to experience asylum claims linked to a major sporting event, with similar cases recorded during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and the 2012 Olympic Games in London.