World Cup 2026: African nations record highest U.S. visa rejection rates

Several African countries recorded among the highest United States visa rejection rates in connection with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to figures released by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), highlighting ongoing concerns about travel access for supporters from the continent.

The data show that the Democratic Republic of Congo had the highest rejection rate among the listed countries, with 96.1 per cent of visa applications refused. Out of 385 applications submitted, only 15 were approved, while 370 were denied.

Kenya followed with a rejection rate of 91.1 per cent. Of the 225 applications received, only 20 were approved, while 205 applicants were unsuccessful.

Ghana, one of Africa’s football powerhouses, also recorded a high refusal rate of 89.3 per cent. The West African nation saw just 185 approvals from a total of 1,725 applications, with 1,540 applications rejected.

Cameroon posted an 87 per cent rejection rate, with only 15 successful applications out of 115 submitted. Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, recorded an 86 per cent refusal rate, as 675 of the 785 applications lodged were denied, leaving only 110 approvals.

Senegal, which has established itself as one of the continent’s leading football nations in recent years, registered an 85.3 per cent rejection rate. Only 25 applications were approved, while 145 were refused.

Ethiopia also experienced significant difficulties, recording a rejection rate of 78.6 per cent. Thirty applicants were granted visas, while 110 were denied from a total of 140 submissions.

North African countries Algeria and Egypt recorded comparatively lower rejection rates, although both still saw more refusals than approvals. Algeria posted a rejection rate of 73.5 per cent, with 65 approvals and 180 refusals from 245 applications.

Egypt had the lowest rejection rate among the countries listed at 59.1 per cent. Of the 550 applications submitted, 225 were approved, while 325 were rejected.

The figures have reignited discussions about the accessibility of major global sporting events for supporters from developing nations, particularly as the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Concerns have previously been raised by football administrators and fan groups over strict visa requirements, potentially preventing thousands of African supporters from travelling to support their national teams at the expanded 48-team tournament.

With the World Cup expected to attract millions of visitors from around the globe, stakeholders continue to call for measures that will ensure genuine football fans are able to attend the tournament without facing disproportionate barriers.