An Iran-linked hacker group, known as Handala, has claimed to have breached FBI-operated drones and issued threats against the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicked off on Thursday. The SITE Intelligence Group, a monitor of jihadist and extremist activities, reported on Friday that Handala stated they have had access for months to every image and suspect captured by first-person view (FPV) drones used by the FBI.
The hackers alleged that the drones are equipped with facial recognition and license plate screening technology deployed for counterterrorism purposes. In a statement quoted by SITE, Handala warned: "Better tighten your World Cup security, we don't like some of those teams at all.
Don't forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team's bus." The FBI is currently deploying drones around World Cup stadiums to protect against unauthorized aircraft, and drone flights have been banned over U.S. stadiums hosting matches as well as over fan events related to the tournament.
The Justice Department has previously warned of potential cyberattacks by Iranian actors following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February, which triggered the Middle East War. The threat has raised significant concerns about the security of the World Cup, which is being held across multiple U.S.
cities, including those in California. Authorities are reviewing security protocols in response to the claims.