At least 10 Bangladeshi nationals are among 175 visitors who travelled to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and later applied for asylum, according to data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Canadian media, citing IRCC figures, reported that only 45 visitor visas were issued to Bangladeshi nationals for the tournament. Of those, 10 individuals submitted asylum claims after arriving in Canada.

Overall, 175 World Cup visitors had filed asylum applications as of July 20 after entering the country on temporary resident visas linked to the tournament. Canada approved 26,111 FIFA-related temporary residence applications during the event.

The data shows that Ghana recorded the highest number of asylum claims, with 25 applicants. Egypt, Colombia and Kenya each accounted for 15 claims, while Bangladesh, China, Nigeria and Senegal each had 10. Ecuador recorded five applications, and five claims were also submitted by nationals of Burundi, Nepal and Pakistan.

Some applicants came from countries whose national teams did not qualify for the World Cup, according to the report.

Canada hosted 13 FIFA World Cup matches in Toronto and Vancouver during June and July. The IRCC declined to disclose whether any of the asylum seekers were players, officials or support staff associated with participating teams.

Canadian immigration authorities had previously warned that World Cup visitors could face additional screening at the border if there were concerns they might not leave the country after their authorized stay. Officials also noted that the deadline for submitting asylum claims has not yet passed, meaning the number of applications could increase.