The figures, published by the IRCC and reported by The Globe and Mail, showed that as of July 20, 2026, 175 individuals who identified themselves as FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors in their temporary residence applications later submitted asylum claims.
Canada co-hosted the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, staging 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver.
During the tournament, Canadian authorities approved more than 26,000 visas for visitors connected to the global football event.
The IRCC said it could not determine how many of the asylum applicants were football players, team officials, support staff or ordinary fans.
Among countries that participated in the tournament, Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims with 25, followed by Egypt and Colombia, each with 15 claims. Senegal recorded 10 claims, while Ecuador accounted for five.
For countries that did not qualify for the World Cup but whose citizens travelled to Canada during the tournament, Kenya recorded 15 asylum claims.
The IRCC said it could not determine how many of the asylum applicants were football players, team officials, support staff or ordinary fans.
Among countries that participated in the tournament, Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims with 25, followed by Egypt and Colombia, each with 15 claims. Senegal recorded 10 claims, while Ecuador accounted for five.
For countries that did not qualify for the World Cup but whose citizens travelled to Canada during the tournament, Kenya recorded 15 asylum claims.
China, Bangladesh and Nigeria each recorded 10 claims, while Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan had five claims each.
The department also disclosed that an additional five asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations (eTA) instead of temporary resident visas.
In its statement, 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 also disclosed that an additional five asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations (eTA) instead of temporary resident visas.
In its statement, 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.
It is important to note that this data only includes applicants who flagged ‘FIFA World Cup 26’ in their temporary residence applications.”
The immigration agency noted that the number of asylum claims could rise if more visitors overstay their visas and later apply for refugee protection.
Before the tournament began, Canadian authorities repeatedly warned that possessing a FIFA World Cup match ticket did not guarantee the issuance of a visa or admission into Canada.
The immigration agency noted that the number of asylum claims could rise if more visitors overstay their visas and later apply for refugee protection.
Before the tournament began, Canadian authorities repeatedly warned that possessing a FIFA World Cup match ticket did not guarantee the issuance of a visa or admission into Canada.
Officials stressed that every visa application would undergo careful scrutiny and that entry could be refused if immigration officers believed an applicant might not leave the country after the competition.
According to The Globe and Mail, Canadian immigration consultant Andy Semotiuk had previously revealed that several visa applications from Ghanaian nationals were refused because of concerns that applicants might remain in Canada after the tournament.
Toronto-based immigration lawyer Stephen Green described the post-tournament figures as relatively low compared to the more than 26,000 visas issued, saying the numbers reflected the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration screening process.
The Canada asylum claims after the 2026 FIFA World Cup have renewed discussions about migration and border control during major international sporting events.
According to The Globe and Mail, Canadian immigration consultant Andy Semotiuk had previously revealed that several visa applications from Ghanaian nationals were refused because of concerns that applicants might remain in Canada after the tournament.
Toronto-based immigration lawyer Stephen Green described the post-tournament figures as relatively low compared to the more than 26,000 visas issued, saying the numbers reflected the effectiveness of Canada’s immigration screening process.
The Canada asylum claims after the 2026 FIFA World Cup have renewed discussions about migration and border control during major international sporting events.
Canada has experienced similar asylum applications following previous global competitions, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.
Disclaimer: Comments and opinions on any part of this website are the opinions of blog commenters or anonymous individuals, and do not reflect Strenuous Blog position.