Updated: 2026-06-19 | Real-time data is subject to official announcements
After Canada launched visitor-visa applications for fans attending the 2026 World Cup, Nigeria has unexpectedly become the country with the fourth-highest number of applications worldwide, as well as the fourth-highest number of refusals. We say unexpectedly because Nigeria’s “Super Eagles” did not qualify for the finals this time, so the matches fans want to watch are mostly those of other teams. Even so, enthusiasm for travelling to Canada for the games still ranks among the highest in the world.
According to statistics cited by the Nigerian outlet Business News Nigeria, from the launch of this visa category on 14 November 2025 through to March 2026, a total of 1,293 Nigerians submitted applications, ranking fourth among all countries; of these, 557 were refused, with the number of refusals likewise ranking fourth. High application volume reflects strong demand, while the correspondingly high refusal count shows that vetting has not been relaxed because of the World Cup. For fans who want to buy their flights and book their hotels before applying, this is an element of uncertainty that needs to be faced early.
Pulling back for a wider view of the rankings makes things clearer. The highest application volume belongs to Ghana, which had received 1,953 by March, with the most refusals as well, at 1,423; Colombia came next with 1,739, India ranked third with 1,393, Nigeria fourth, and Pakistan fifth with 1,085. As you can see, countries with high application enthusiasm tend to have correspondingly high absolute refusal numbers too. This is more a result of a “large base” and does not necessarily mean that any individual applicant has a particularly low chance of approval; but for fans from these countries, document preparation does indeed need to be more solid.
One thing to clarify first is the question of status. If you are of Nigerian descent but hold a Canadian permanent resident card (PR card) or a Canadian passport, then you enter as a resident or citizen and do not need to apply for a visitor visa at all. This wave of data has nothing to do with you, and you can plan your trip with peace of mind; just remember to confirm that your travel documents are valid for the round trip. The ones truly affected are fans who still need to apply for a visa as foreign nationals.
Another point that is often misunderstood is the FIFA ID / Fan ID. Unlike the Hayya Card of the 2018 Russia World Cup and the 2022 Qatar edition, the 2026 fan ID is not an entry permit and cannot replace a visa. It is a digital account that every ticket buyer must create on the FIFA official platform, used to buy tickets, receive digital tickets and manage transfers. It is a completely separate process from your travel authorization. In other words, to attend the games in Canada you must have both the fan ID “and” the corresponding travel documents. Most foreign nationals need an electronic travel authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on nationality and method of entry. We recommend going directly to the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to look up the personalized requirements for your nationality.
Canada is hosting 13 matches in total this time, all concentrated in the two cities of Toronto and Vancouver, with the match period falling between 11 June and 19 July 2026. A large influx of international fans is expected during the tournament, and visa processing times may well be extended by a surge in applications. The site editor’s advice is very practical: no matter which country’s passport you hold, treat visa assessment and application as the “first step” of your trip planning rather than the last, and ideally leave about six months of buffer. If you are unfortunately refused, first take a close look at the reasons for refusal (common ones are proof of funds, the reasonableness of the itinerary, travel history, and so on), strengthen your case and reapply, and consult a qualified immigration consultant if necessary. All of this is far more reliable than scrambling at the last minute before the tournament.
Finally, a reminder: the specific application and refusal figures above are as of March 2026 and come from statistics cited by the media, and will continue to change. For exact data and visa policy, please refer to the official statistics and announcements of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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