FIFA ‘make final decision’ on banning country from World Cup

They are on 'Trump's travel list ban'

The tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, features 48 different teams, for the first time ever.

Four nations set to compete - Haiti, Iran, Ivory Coast and Senegal - are all on the US's President Trump's travel list, meaning that fans may not be able to attend the tournament, despite their team nations able to play.

18+ Be Gamble Aware

Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, after defeating Morocco 1-0, endured major controversy after walking off the pitch towards the end of the match, with head coach Pape Thiaw ordering his players to leave the field, after a penalty was awarded to the opposition.

After returning to the pitch 15 minutes later thanks to skipper Sadio Mane's efforts, Brahim Diaz then eventually missed the penalty, attempting to panenka the shot, which was comfortably saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Though, the Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s regulations show that a nation 'shall be considered loser' if they 'refuse(s) to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee'.

However, there is currently no precedent for CAF to apply in a situation so rare, even with the stripping of their AFCON title as a potential option for punishment.

Resultantly, the chairman of the committee, Ousmane Kane, had to be temporarily removed from his role, it has been reported.

Officials will decide how serious the punishment may be.

The report also adds that Senegal's participation in the 2026 World Cup is not at risk - they are due to face-off in Group I, facing the likes of France and Norway.