According to the data released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), more than 70% of visa applications submitted by Indians, who are planning to attend FIFA World Cup matches in Canada, were rejected. Want to know the reason behind it? Read on!
70% Indians Visa Application Gets Rejected
As reported by the Hindustan Times, the data examined by Canadian broadcaster CTV News revealed that nearly 17,000 tourist visa applications connected to the ongoing FIFA World Cup duration were processed between November 15, 2025, and March 31, 2026. Out of which, only 41% of applications were granted approval.
Indians accounted for the fourth-largest group of applicants, with 1,225 visa applications submitted. However, only 355 applications were approved, leading to an approval rate of roughly 29%.
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Ghana topped the list with 1,725 applications, but fewer than 11% were approved. Colombia followed with 1,630 applications and a much higher approval rate of nearly 70%. Next, Pakistan recorded the third-highest number of applications at 1,250, but only 102 were approved, corresponding to an approval rate of less than 9%.
The Reason Behind Rejected Visa Applications
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Additionally, Canada is set to host 13 matches across Toronto and Vancouver.
Earlier this year, Canadian officials released a warning against misinformation circulating on social media regarding World Cup-related visas. The IRCC clarified that there is no special “FIFA visa” that permits visitors to work or settle in Canada. As per the news portal, the department stated that guests attending the FIFA World Cup are expected to respect the conditions of their stay and leave Canada once their authorised period ends.
The warning came after multiple social media posts and videos, especially those targeting Indian audiences, falsely stated that tourists travelling for the World Cup could find employment opportunities or ways to get permanent residency. In addition to this, immigration officials also urged travellers to avoid agents who promise guaranteed approvals and instead apply directly through official government channels.
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Not only this, but the IRCC further warned that submitting false information or fake documents could result in visa refusal and a potential five-year ban from entering Canada.
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FAQs
When and where is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is currently taking place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament is jointly hosted across three North American countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico.