Handala Hacks the Halftime Show: Iran-Linked Group Claims FBI Drone Breach, Eyes World Cup 🛸

An Iran-linked hacking group that previously claimed to breach the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel said it has accessed data from FBI surveillance drones being deployed around 2026 FIFA World Cup venues, according to a CBS News report dated Friday. The SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist organizations and online threat activity, said Handala claimed it obtained "every image and every suspect" captured by the drones, including footage from facial recognition and license plate scanning systems, with the group asserting the data extends "for months."

Handala also directed a threat at teams participating in the tournament. "Better tighten your World Cup security, we don't like some of those teams at all," the group said, according to SITE. "[First-person view drones] are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team's bus." The 2026 World Cup kicks off in days across North America, drawing heightened warnings from law enforcement about scams targeting fans.

The U.S. Department of Justice has linked Handala to Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security, identifying the group with data theft operations, wiper malware deployments, and online influence campaigns that use leaked material, threats, and media attention to pressure targets. The claims follow a March incident in which Handala said it hacked Kash Patel's email and published personal photos, and a more recent alleged breach of California Water Service, from which the group released roughly five gigabytes of purportedly stolen customer and internal company data.

SITE disputed portions of the evidence Handala released, noting that one video presented as proof of the drone breach was actually produced in December 2024 by a software company promoting technology used by a U.S. police department to survey tornado damage. The dispute leaves the core claims unverified. The announcement comes as the State Department's Rewards for Justice program continues to offer up to $10 million for information on Handala and affiliated actors.