An Iran-linked hacking group, Handala, has claimed it breached FBI surveillance drones and accessed footage, threatening teams in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The group said it obtained images and suspect data from drones with facial recognition and license plate scanning, going back months. It warned that first-person view drones could target team buses. The claims, reported by SITE Intelligence Group, have not been verified; SITE noted one evidence video was from 2024 by a software company. Handala is linked to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, known for data theft and wiper malware. The group also claimed earlier hacks of FBI Director Kash Patel's email and California Water Service. The U.S. State Department offers up to $10 million for information on state-backed hackers targeting critical infrastructure.

Key facts

• Handala claims access to FBI drone footage with facial recognition and license plate data.
• Group threatens teams at 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning of drone attacks on buses.
• SITE doubts evidence; one video was actually from a 2024 software promo.
• Handala linked to Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence, previously hacked FBI director and water utility.