FULL LIST: Nigerians, Ghanaians among 175 World Cup visitors seeking asylum in Canada

At least 175 foreign visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have applied for asylum after arriving in the country, according to figures from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

The list includes Nigerians and Ghanaians who entered Canada as World Cup visitors but later requested refugee protection.

Canada hosted 13 matches during the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside the United States and Mexico. The country issued more than 26,000 temporary visas linked to the tournament.

According to IRCC, the figures are based on people who mentioned “FIFA World Cup 26” in their temporary residence 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,” the immigration department said.

Nigeria recorded 10 asylum applications among World Cup visitors, placing the country among those with the highest number of claims.

Ghana had the highest number of asylum claims among countries that participated in matches hosted by Canada, with 25 applications.

Egypt and Colombia recorded 15 claims each, while Senegal and Nigeria had 10 each. Ecuador recorded five.

Among countries that did not participate in the tournament, Kenya had the highest number of claims with 15. China and Bangladesh recorded 10 each, while Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan had five each.

IRCC said the number of asylum applications could increase as more visitors may decide to remain in Canada after their visas expire.

Before the World Cup, Canadian authorities warned that having a match ticket did not guarantee a visa or entry into the country. Officials said applications would go through strict screening to ensure visitors were likely to return home after the tournament.

Canada also introduced temporary exemptions from work permit requirements for FIFA-accredited personnel, including players, coaches, referees, officials and medical staff.

The country has recorded similar asylum cases linked to major sporting events in the past, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics.

Full list of asylum claims by nationality
Countries that participated in the World Cup:
Ghana — 25
Egypt — 15
Colombia — 15
Senegal — 10
Nigeria — 10
Ecuador — 5
Countries that did not participate:
Kenya — 15
China — 10
Bangladesh — 10
Nigeria — 10
Burundi — 5
Nepal — 5
Pakistan — 5