Twenty-five Ghanaians who entered Canada on visas to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, according to official immigration data reported by The Globe and Mail.
Ghanaians accounted for the highest number of asylum claims among World Cup visitors, topping the list of nationalities.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) figures show that a total of 175 asylum claims were lodged by visitors who received visas specifically for the tournament, which Canada co-hosted in June and July 2026. Canada issued approximately 26,000 visas for the 13 matches hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.
The Black Stars kicked off their campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17.
Other African countries also recorded notable claims. Egypt had 15 asylum claims, while Senegal recorded 10. Several claims also came from nationals whose teams did not participate in the tournament, including 15 Kenyans, 10 Nigerians, and five each from Burundi and Nepal.
As of July 20, 2026, out of 26,111 individuals approved for FIFA-related temporary residence, 175 had submitted asylum claims, IRCC confirmed. The department did not disclose how many claims, if any, were filed by players or official team delegations.
IRCC has indicated that the final number of claims could rise further as some visa holders who overstay their permits may later apply for refugee status.
Prior to the tournament, Canadian authorities had warned that visa applicants could be refused or denied entry if there were concerns they might not return home after the event. Reports indicate that several Ghanaian applicants were denied visas on these grounds.
The situation mirrors past major sporting events. During the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, 22 people claimed asylum, including several Ghanaians. Similarly, 82 athletes and officials sought asylum during the 2012 London Olympics.
