- 25 Ghanaians Seek Asylum in Canada After 2026 FIFA World Cup as Authorities Record 175 Claims
Twenty-five Ghanaians who travelled to Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup have applied for asylum, according to new figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The applications form part of 175 asylum claims lodged by foreign nationals who entered Canada using temporary residence approvals connected to the global football tournament, which was jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico.
Canadian immigration authorities disclosed that 26,111 people were granted temporary residence after indicating they intended to travel to the country for the FIFA World Cup. As of July 20, 2026, a total of 175 of those visitors had subsequently filed asylum applications.
In a statement cited by Canadian media, the IRCC said:
“Of the 26,111 individuals with prior FIFA-related approved temporary residence applications, 175 people later submitted asylum claims.”
The department explained that the figures relate only to applicants who specifically identified “FIFA World Cup 26” as the purpose of their temporary residence application.
Ghana was among the countries recording the highest number of asylum applications, with 25 claims jointly the highest alongside China.
Egypt and Colombia each accounted for 15 applications, while Senegal, Bangladesh and Nigeria registered 10 claims apiece. Ecuador, Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan each recorded five applications.
Canadian officials, however, did not provide a breakdown of the applicants, leaving it unclear whether those seeking asylum were footballers, members of national team delegations, tournament officials, support staff or ordinary fans who travelled to watch the competition.
Immigration experts note that asylum claims following major international sporting events are not unprecedented, as athletes, officials and supporters have previously used such tournaments as an opportunity to seek protection in host countries.
Ghana has experienced a similar situation before. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, about 200 Ghanaians reportedly sought asylum, citing religious persecution. At the time, the Government of Ghana rejected those claims, describing them as unfounded.
The latest immigration figures come shortly after Ghana’s campaign at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Under head coach Carlos Queiroz, the Black Stars progressed beyond the group stage before their tournament ended with a defeat to Colombia in the newly introduced Round of 32.
