Nigerians, Ghanaians, Senegalese among 175 FIFA World Cup visitors who applied for asylum in Canada (see full list)

The data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) showed that the individuals had identified the FIFA World Cup 26 as their reason for travelling to Canada before later submitting asylum claims.

The list also included citizens from other countries, with Egypt recording 15 applicants, while Colombia and Kenya also recorded 15 each.

Other countries represented among the asylum applicants included:

• Ghana — 25
• • Egypt — 15
  • Colombia — 15
  • Kenya — 15
  • Nigeria — 10
  • Senegal — 10
  • • China — 10
    • Bangladesh — 10
    • Burundi — 5
    • Nepal — 5
    • Pakistan — 5
    • Ecuador — 5

    Canada’s immigration authorities said the figures came from visitors whose temporary residence applications were connected to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    The 175 asylum claims represent a small fraction of the thousands of people who travelled to Canada for the tournament. Canadian authorities said more than 26,000 World Cup-related temporary residence applications were approved.

    However, officials did not reveal whether those who applied for asylum were football fans, team officials, volunteers or other visitors linked to the tournament.

    Submitting an asylum claim does not automatically grant refugee status in Canada. Applicants must go through the country’s refugee determination process, where their claims are assessed based on whether they meet the requirements for protection under Canadian law.

    A claim may be accepted, rejected or withdrawn after the assessment process.

    The figures have drawn attention because the applicants entered Canada for a specific event but later requested protection from the country.

    Canada allows people who are already in the country to apply for asylum if they believe they face persecution or serious risks in their home countries. However, each claim is assessed individually.

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