As Canada prepares to host matches during the 2026 men’s World Cup, immigration experts say misinformation and fraudulent schemes are spreading online, with some would-be migrants posing as soccer fans to try to gain entry into the country under false pretences.
Social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok are awash with posts claiming World Cup visitors can work in Canada without a permit, while others offer paid help with visa applications, cover letters and even bundled “tour packages” that include tickets and a Canadian visa. Experts say many of these claims misrepresent a narrow FIFA-related work permit exemption.
Toronto immigration consultant Kubeir Kamal said some applicants are tailoring their online profiles to appear like dedicated supporters of teams such as Arsenal, or posting heavily about star players to bolster their visa chances. “The intention is not just to watch a match,” Kamal said. “It’s to get into Canada, work illegally, not return home, or seek asylum.”
Canada, Mexico and the United States will co-host the FIFA World Cup from June 11 to July 19, with 13 matches scheduled in Toronto and Vancouver. Canada expects up to one million visitors, including athletes, officials, volunteers and fans.
Confusion centres on a temporary public policy announced by Canada’s immigration department in November, which allows certain FIFA-invited foreign nationals to work without permits during the tournament. The exemption applies only to people with official invitation letters from FIFA or its affiliates, but Kamal said some agents abroad are selectively sharing screenshots of the policy and falsely marketing it as a general visa shortcut.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said it is actively monitoring and combating misinformation through advisories, public outreach and a dedicated FIFA information page. “Misleading and fraudulent claims about visa processing can circulate around major global events,” the department said, warning that fraud will not be tolerated and that World Cup tickets do not guarantee visa approval.
Online posts promoting so-called “FIFA visas” have appeared in multiple languages across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, Kamal said. Some involve offers of fake invitation letters or promises of guaranteed approval. Canadian officials abroad, including the high commissioner to Ghana, have publicly warned that no third party can speed up or guarantee a visa.
IRCC stressed that sporting events are not a pathway to asylum and that visitors must respect the terms of their stay or face enforcement action. While authorities say they are deploying extra staff and digital tools to manage a surge in applications, Kamal urged stricter scrutiny of visitor finances and intentions ahead of the tournament.
“If you can afford to fly across the world to watch football in Canada,” he said, “you should be able to prove you have the means to do it legitimately.”