FIFA World Cup 2026: Nearly 70% of Indian Visa Applications to Canada Rejected
A large number of football fans hoping to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada have seen their visa applications denied, with Indian applicants facing a rejection rate of more than 70%, according to data from Canada’s immigration authorities.
Between November 14, 2025, and March 31, 2026, Canada’s immigration department processed nearly 17,000 World Cup-related visitor visa and electronic travel authorization applications. However, only about 41% were approved, highlighting the strict scrutiny applied to applicants.
India Among Worst-Hit Countries
Out of 1,225 visitor visa applications submitted by Indian nationals, only 355 were approved. This translates to an approval rate of just 29%, meaning more than seven out of every ten Indian applicants were denied entry.
India emerged as the fourth-largest source of World Cup-related visa applications, reflecting strong interest among fans despite the low success rate.
Pakistan Faces Even Steeper Rejections
Pakistan recorded one of the lowest approval rates among all countries reviewed. Of approximately 1,250 applications submitted, only 102 were approved, resulting in an acceptance rate of less than 9%. More than 90% of Pakistani applicants were denied visas.
Ghana Records Highest Demand
Ghana submitted the highest number of World Cup-related applications, with 1,725 requests. Yet approval rates remained extremely low at under 11%, placing the African nation among those with the poorest success rates.
Colombia Stands Out
In contrast, Colombia enjoyed one of the highest approval rates. Despite not having group-stage matches scheduled in Canada, the country submitted around 1,630 applications, nearly 69% of which were approved.
Canada Emphasizes Security
Canada is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside the United States and Mexico, with matches scheduled in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver.
Canadian authorities say they are working closely with FIFA and federal partners to facilitate travel while maintaining border security standards. Officials have also clarified that there is no special “FIFA visa” for tournament attendees.
Fans must apply through the regular visitor visa process or obtain an electronic travel authorization, depending on their nationality. The government has also reiterated that visitors must leave Canada once their authorized period of stay expires.
News Source : Information for this article was gathered from a variety of reliable news outlets.
