Iran-linked hackers claim to have hijacked FBI drones and threaten the 2026 World Cup
The Iran-affiliated Handala hacking group said on Friday it had gained months-long access to FBI surveillance drones, releasing a statement that warned teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: FPV drones are everywhere.
The threat from Handala
On 12 June 2026, the Iran-linked hacker collective Handala published a statement claiming it had compromised FPV (First Person View) drones operated by the FBI. The group declared it had held access “for months” and could intercept “every image and every suspect” captured by the drones, which are equipped with facial recognition and automatic license-plate readers. Handala delivered its message through the SITE Intelligence Group, a private firm that monitors jihadist online activity.
Better reinforce the security of your World Cup. We really don't like some of those teams. Don't forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might land right in your team bus.
FBI drones and World Cup security
The FBI is deploying drones around the American stadiums hosting the tournament to defend against unauthorised aircraft. Drone flights are banned over all US venues and over fan events connected to the championship, which is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 48-team competition began on 11 June.
SITE casts doubt on evidence
Handala released photos and videos that it said were taken from the hacked drones. SITE, however, challenged the authenticity of the material. According to the monitoring firm, one of the videos was produced by a software platform in December 2024 to illustrate how a US police department used drone-based technology to assess tornado damage.
Previous hacks and US retaliation context
The group previously claimed responsibility for a March 2026 breach of the personal email account of FBI Director Kash Patel, posting personal photos and other content online. Handala has framed its cyber operations as retaliation for the 28 February US-Israeli attack on an Iranian school, which according to unverified Iranian reports killed more than 175 people and triggered the broader Middle East war. The US State Department is offering a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of Handala members.
- US-Israeli strike on an Iranian school reportedly kills more than 175 people, triggering Middle East war.
- Handala claims to hack FBI Director Kash Patel's email account and posts personal photos online.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
- Handala announces it has accessed FBI FPV drones for months and threatens World Cup teams.
Federal response and outstanding questions
The Department of Justice had already issued warnings about potential Iranian cyberattacks after the February strikes. No US agency has yet confirmed Handala’s drone-hacking claim, and the FBI has not commented on the alleged breach. The group’s threat arrives while federal law enforcement is already managing an extensive aerial-security perimeter across multiple American cities.
