An Iran-linked hacker group known as Handala has threatened the 2026 FIFA World Cup, claiming it hacked FBI surveillance drones. According to reports from SITE Intelligence Group, the warning comes as the 2026 World Cup officially kicked off with a 48-team field set to compete in 104 matches during the month-long tournament. The group specifically named team buses as a possible target and issued a direct warning: '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.'
Handala presents itself as a pro-Palestinian hacktivist collective but US officials and Western researchers assess it as a front for Iranian intelligence. As reported by SITE Intelligence Group, the group has targeted Israeli-linked entities and other countries since December 2023, with activity sharpening after US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February. In March, Handala claimed it had hacked the email of FBI Director Kash Patel and published personal photos and other material. The State Department is offering up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of Handala members, demonstrating how seriously Washington treats the group.
According to SITE Intelligence Group, Handala said it had access 'for months' to footage from first-person view (FPV) drones used by the FBI. The group alleged it was monitoring 'every image and every suspect' for several months, with drones equipped with facial recognition and license plate screening technology used for counterterrorism operations. However, SITE questioned the group's evidence, finding that at least one video Handala presented as evidence appeared to be unrelated footage from December 2024 — showing drone software operated by a U.S. police department in the aftermath of tornado damage — rather than proof of any FBI breach. The disputed nature of the evidence raises questions about the authenticity of the group's claims regarding the FBI drone breach.
The FIFA World Cup tournament runs through July 19 across 16 cities, making it a high-profile target for potential security threats. The FBI has confirmed that drones will form part of its security operations around World Cup stadiums, with unauthorized drone flights restricted over host venues and fan event zones. As part of tournament security arrangements, authorities have banned UAV flights over US stadiums and fan events associated with the World Cup, according to CBS News. The Justice Department has earlier warned about the risk of cyberattacks by groups linked to Iran, amid heightened tensions following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. The timing of the threat comes during an already heavily secured tournament, with federal security measures already in place to protect the global sporting event.
