Twenty-five Ghanaians who travelled to Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup have filed asylum claims, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). 

The claims form part of 175 asylum applications submitted by foreign nationals who entered Canada after receiving temporary residence approval linked to the tournament, which was co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. 

IRCC said it approved temporary residence applications for 26,111 people who indicated they were travelling to Canada in connection with the FIFA World Cup. 

As of July 20, 2026, 175 of those individuals had subsequently submitted asylum claims. 

According to the Canadian immigration authority, the data covers only applicants who specifically identified "FIFA World Cup 26" in their temporary residence applications. 

Ghana and China each recorded 25 asylum claims, the highest among the countries listed. 

Egypt and Colombia each recorded 15 claims, while Senegal, Bangladesh and Nigeria each had 10. 

Ecuador, Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan registered five claims each.

Canadian authorities did not disclose the identities or backgrounds of the claimants. 

As a result, it remains unclear whether the applicants were football supporters, players, officials, support staff or other visitors who travelled to Canada during the tournament.

The reports noted that asylum claims following major international sporting events are not uncommon. 

After the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, about 200 Ghanaians reportedly sought asylum, citing religious persecution. The Ghanaian government at the time rejected those claims.