More than 20,000 FIFA World Cup visitor visa applications refused by Canada, IRCC confirms

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has confirmed that more than 20,000 visitor visa applications submitted by foreign nationals seeking to attend FIFA World Cup matches in Canada were refused.

According to IRCC, 13 FIFA World Cup matches were held in Toronto and Vancouver during June and July. Approximately 26,000 visitor visas were approved for the tournament, including visas issued to individuals invited by FIFA to work at the event. During the same period, the department refused 20,845 visitor visa applications and also denied 205 electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications from travellers who would otherwise have been visa exempt.

IRCC data also shows that visitor visa refusal rates were significantly higher than approval rates for applicants from India and Pakistan. According to the department, 2,000 applications from Indian nationals were refused, while 665 were approved. For Pakistani applicants, 2,245 visitor visa applications were refused and 195 were approved.

The figures cover applications submitted between Nov. 14, 2025, and May 31, 2026, specifically for travel related to the FIFA World Cup.