In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Canadian Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has decided to strengthen control over visa issuance to prevent an increase in asylum applications. This information was reported by the Globe and Mail.
As noted in the publication, the department is carefully reviewing applications from football fans planning to attend the championship to exclude the possibility of entering the country with the intent to seek asylum.
It should be noted that tourists who have purchased tickets for the matches may face visa denials or even entry bans to Canada if authorities have doubts about their return home after the tournament.
A department representative, Isabelle Dubois, emphasized that the ministry will actively monitor potential asylum applications related to FIFA events. She added, "Events like FIFA championships should not be seen as an opportunity for asylum."
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and for the first time, 48 national teams will participate in this tournament.
