Twenty-five Ghanaians who traveled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The claims are part of a total of 175 asylum applications submitted by foreign nationals who entered Canada after receiving temporary residence approval linked to the tournament, which was jointly hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
IRCC reported that it approved temporary residence applications for 26,111 individuals indicating they were traveling to Canada in connection with the World Cup. As of July 20, 2026, 175 of those visitors had submitted asylum claims.
The data, according to Canadian authorities, only covers applicants who specifically identified “FIFA World Cup 26” in their applications.
Ghana and China both recorded the highest number of asylum claims at 25 each. Egypt and Colombia followed with 15 claims each, while Senegal, Bangladesh, and Nigeria each had 10. Ecuador, Burundi, Nepal, and Pakistan each registered five claims.
Canadian authorities did not provide details on the identities or backgrounds of the claimants, leaving it unclear whether they were football supporters, players, officials, or other visitors associated with the tournament.
Reports indicate that asylum claims after major international sporting events are not unusual. Following the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, approximately 200 Ghanaians reportedly sought asylum, citing religious persecution, a claim the Ghanaian government later rejected.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com