Nigerians among 175 World Cup visitors seeking asylum in Canada

A total of 175 visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, with Nigerians among the nationalities seeking refugee protection after the tournament.

Canadian immigration authorities confirmed that the applications were submitted by foreign nationals who entered the country during the World Cup, which Canada co-hosted alongside the United States and Mexico. The asylum seekers reportedly identified themselves as FIFA World Cup visitors in their temporary residence applications.

The figures showed that Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims, with 25 visitors applying for refugee protection after the tournament.

Egypt and Colombia each recorded 15 claims, while Senegal had 10. Ecuador accounted for five claims among countries whose national teams participated in matches hosted by Canada.

Among visitors from countries that did not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but travelled to Canada during the tournament, Kenya recorded the highest number of asylum claims with 15. China, Bangladesh, and Nigeria each accounted for 10 claims, while Burundi, Nepal, and Pakistan registered five applications apiece.

IRCC also disclosed that an additional five asylum claims were submitted by travellers who entered Canada using electronic travel authorisations rather than temporary resident visas.

Responding to enquiries on the figures, the department 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 department noted that the number could still increase if more visitors overstayed their visas and later filed refugee claims.

Canada co-hosted the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, staging 13 matches in Toronto and Vancouver. More than 26,000 visas were issued to visitors linked to the tournament.

Spain won the tournament after defeating defending champions Argentina in the final.

Asylum claims by nationality. 

Ghana — 25
Egypt — 15
Colombia — 15
Senegal — 10
Ecuador — 5

Kenya — 15
China — 10
Bangladesh — 10
Nigeria — 10
Burundi — 5
Nepal — 5
Pakistan — 5