Canada asylum claims during 2026 World Cup

In late July 2026 Canada reported a significant influx of asylum applications tied to the FIFA World Cup it co‑hosted. An initial report on 24 July noted 25 Ghanaian nationals among 175 total asylum claims filed by visitors who entered on temporary tournament visas, echoing a similar surge after the 2014 Brazil World Cup.

A follow‑up on 28 July confirmed the total of 175 applications, adding that Egypt, Colombia and Nigeria also submitted multiple claims and that the number could rise as some visitors remain after their visas expire. In the same period, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board reviewed a separate complaint that Vancouver’s municipal government had concealed a budget decision eliminating hundreds of bargaining‑unit positions during collective‑bargaining negotiations timed for the World Cup, highlighting broader administrative pressures linked to the event.