GHANA: 25 Ghanaians claim asylum in Canada after World Cup 2026
A group of 25 Ghanaian nationals have reportedly filed asylum claims in Canada following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining a broader conversation about migration during the tournament.
The claims come amid already tense visa issues for Ghanaians traveling to Canada for the World Cup. Data from Canada’s Immigration Department covering November 14, 2025 to March 31, 2026 showed Ghana submitted 1,953 World Cup-related visa applications, with 1,423 of them refused — a 73% refusal rate, the highest among all countries. Across all nationalities, refusals outpaced approvals for applications flagged with the “FIFA World Cup 2026” marker.
Canadian authorities have been clear that hosting the tournament does not change immigration rules. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said every person is assessed individually “based on the facts available and the law that applies, while maintaining the safety and security of Canadians as a top priority”.
The issue also played out on the pitch. Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to Canada for Ghana’s opening Group L match against Panama in Toronto on June 17, 2026. Ghana’s government called the decision “high-handed and extremely unfair” and filed an official note of protest requesting a review. A federal court later dismissed Partey’s appeal, ruling that lack of a conviction was “irrelevant” to the immigration assessment.
Ahead of the tournament, Canadian immigration lawyer Kwasi Sarfo warned Ghanaians not to view the World Cup as an “opportunity” to seek asylum. He noted that asylum laws have been tightened and that claims made after entering for the games would be assessed immediately and could be difficult to prove.
Canadian officials and Ghanaian authorities had earlier met in January 2026 to discuss cooperation on migration management ahead of the World Cup, with both sides stressing the need for legal and orderly travel pathways.