Canada rejected more than half of all visa applications from visitors hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The rejection rate stands at 52%, affecting thousands of fans from various countries.
Visa Application Statistics
Between January and May 2026, Canada received over 200,000 visa applications from individuals intending to travel for the World Cup. Of these, approximately 104,000 were approved, while 96,000 were denied. An additional 10,000 applications were withdrawn or deemed incomplete.
The highest rejection rates were seen from applicants in Africa and the Middle East, with countries like Nigeria and Egypt facing denial rates above 70%. In contrast, applicants from Europe and the Americas had lower rejection rates, averaging around 30%.
Reasons for Rejection
Immigration officials cited insufficient financial resources, lack of travel history, and concerns about overstaying as primary reasons for denial. “Each application is assessed on its own merits, and we must ensure that visitors comply with immigration laws,” said a spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
Impact on Tourism and Economy
The high rejection rate has sparked criticism from tourism boards and event organizers. Destination Canada estimated that each denied visitor represents a potential loss of $2,500 in spending, totaling over $240 million in lost economic activity. The World Cup is expected to draw 1.5 million visitors to Canada, but the visa hurdles may reduce actual attendance.
“We are disappointed by the rejection rate, as it undermines the inclusive spirit of the World Cup,” said a FIFA representative. “We urge Canadian authorities to streamline the process for legitimate fans.”
Government Response
In response, the Canadian government has introduced a dedicated visa processing lane for World Cup ticket holders and expanded biometric collection centers in high-demand countries. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to balance security with accessibility.
“Canada welcomes the world, but we must also protect our borders,” said the Minister of Immigration. “We are working to expedite processing while maintaining integrity.”
