Ten Nigerian nationals who travelled to Canada on visitor visas linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup have since filed asylum claims, according to fresh data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, despite the fact that Nigeria’s Super Eagles did not even qualify for the tournament.

The figures form part of a broader disclosure showing that 175 people who had received FIFA related temporary residence approvals later submitted refugee claims, out of more than 26 thousand individuals granted World Cup connected visitor visas.

Canada hosted 13 matches of the tournament across Toronto and Vancouver, drawing large numbers of international fans and visitors for the competition, which eventually saw Spain crowned champions after defeating defending winners Argentina in the final.

According to the immigration authority, Ghana recorded the highest number of claims among African countries, with 25 of its nationals seeking asylum, making it the single largest group overall alongside China. Egypt followed with 15 claims, largely linked to fans who travelled for its group stage match against New Zealand in Vancouver, while Kenya also recorded 15 claims despite not featuring at the tournament.

Nigeria and Senegal each recorded 10 claims, with Senegalese numbers tied to supporters who came for their side’s game against Iraq in Toronto. Smaller numbers of claims were also recorded from Bangladesh, Colombia, Burundi, Nepal, Pakistan and Ecuador, among other nations.

Immigration officials clarified that the figures only capture applicants who specifically flagged the World Cup in their original temporary residence applications, meaning the real number of claims tied to the tournament could be higher as more visitors overstay their visas and apply later.

The authorities did not disclose whether any of the claimants were players, team officials or support staff, though such patterns are not new to major global sporting events. Similar cases were recorded after the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics, when dozens of athletes and officials from various countries sought asylum during their stay abroad.