World Cup nation 'retaliate' as Donald Trump confirms 'major combat operations'

A World Cup nation has retaliated to the United States launching strikes as Donald Trump has confirmed 'major combat operations'.

The 2026 World Cup is just a few months away as USA are the main host country alongside Canada and Mexico.

11 American cities across the country will host games at this summer's World Cup, including New York/New Jersey, who will stage the final on July 19.

The 2026 World Cup will look a lot different to the 2022 World Cup as this summer's competition is an expanded version, featuring 48 teams.

Iran are among the nations that have qualified for 2026 World Cup and will be making their fourth consecutive appearance at a World Cup.

But Iran has engaged in battle with the USA and Israel after the latter nations held a joint military operation to strike multiple locations across the Middle Eastern country, including the capital, Tehran.

Donald Trump confirms USA has launched 'major combat operations' in Iran. Image: Getty

US president Trump announced they have began 'major combat operations' in Iran.

The attacks come amid negotiations between USA and Iran over the latter's nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes after weeks of threats from the 79-year-old.

Iran has struck back with missiles aimed at Israel.

Trump, who bombed Iran last year over fears about nuclear weapons, has claimed that the USA and Israel 'are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground'.

The joint attack will also aim to 'annihilate' Iran's navy, with Trump claiming that the nation has rejected every opportunity to renounce its nuclear ambitions and continued to develop long range missiles that can threaten allies in Europe and soon the 'US homeland'.

Iran are grouped in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand at the 2026 World Cup. Image: Getty

What does this mean for Iran's involvement at the World Cup?

As things stand, Iran is one of the 38 nations named on the Trump administration’s travel ban list.

However, a US State Department official told Mirror that the 'ban applies to the issuance of immigrant visas only, and does not apply to non-immigrant visas, such as those for tourists, athletes and their families, and media professionals intending to travel for the World Cup'.

But the rising tension between the two nations has provided an uncomfortable backdrop to the upcoming World Cup.