Iran-linked group threatens 2026 World Cup amid disputed FBI drone hack claims
An Iran-linked hacker collective has alleged access to FBI counterterrorism drone data, issuing threats against the upcoming tournament. Monitoring agencies have questioned the authenticity of the provided evidence as security protocols intensify.
An Iran-linked hacker group identified as Handala has claimed responsibility for breaching Federal Bureau of Investigation drone systems and issued threats targeting the 2026 World Cup. The assertion was published by the SITE Intelligence Group on Friday, 12 June 2026, marking the latest escalation in cyber tensions following recent geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East.
According to the statement monitored by SITE, the group alleged it had maintained access to first-person view drones used by the FBI for counterterrorism operations for several months. Handala claimed to have accessed data involving facial recognition and license plate screening capabilities. The group’s message included a direct warning to tournament organisers, stating that security should be tightened as they expressed opposition to certain participating teams.
The SITE Intelligence Group, which specialises in monitoring jihadist and extremist groups, disputed the authenticity of the evidence provided by Handala. Investigators noted that one video purportedly demonstrating the hack was actually promotional material released in December 2024 by a software platform to showcase technology used by a US police department for surveying tornado damage.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened security measures for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The FBI is currently deploying drones around stadiums to counter unauthorized aircraft, while drone flights are strictly prohibited over US venues and related fan events. To support these efforts, a $500 million federal grant has been allocated to train local and state police in countering such aerial threats.
The Justice Department has previously warned of potential cyberattacks by Iranian actors following US-Israeli strikes on Tehran in February, which contributed to the outbreak of the Middle East War. Handala has a history of such claims, having alleged in March that it hacked the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel and published personal photographs online. The US State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of members of the group.
