African teams are in a dilemma as the world's biggest football tournament - the FIFA World Cup - approaches.

Forty-eight teams and three host countries, the United States, Mexico, and Canada, are gearing up for the event.

For Africa, this tournament, set to start in June, should be historic, with its largest-ever representation - nine teams. But it appears much more complicated. Here's why.

Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire are on Donald Trump's travel ban list. The policy doesn't only affect Africa. Also included is Haiti, a Caribbean nation whose supporters could face the same restrictions.

This is a big issue. These teams are scheduled to play their group matches in the United States. African champions Senegal against France in New York and Côte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador in Philadelphia.

Fans could be shut out

The players will be there, but many of their fans could be shut out.

Visa restrictions are not the only challenge facing African teams. A growing regional conflict is now adding another layer of uncertainty.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Qatar immediately postponed every sporting event in March, including warm-up matches involving Egypt and other African teams relying on that preparation.

Airspace closures across parts of the Middle East are now disrupting the travel routes many African teams use to move between Europe and North America.

Egypt's situation is especially complicated. They're drawn in the same group as Iran, a country now in direct conflict with one of the tournament's hosts, the United States.

If that situation escalates, Egypt could find themselves in a group where a key fixture will never happen.

Pushed to the margins

This would not be the first time Africa has been pushed to the margins of the World Cup.

In 1966, every African country withdrew from the qualification series in protest after FIFA gave Africa, Asia, and Oceania just one joint slot at the tournament in England.

It was the only World Cup in history that saw an entire continent boycott.

Africa fought for representation. Today it has nine teams, including Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana, Cabo Verde and South Africa.

But representation without access for families and fans could only be symbolic.