Iran-Backed Group Claims It Hacked FBI Drones, Threatens to Attack World Cup - Slay News
An Iran-linked hacker group is claiming it infiltrated FBI drone systems and issued a disturbing warning tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament officially got underway across North America.
The group, known as Handala, alleged that it gained access to surveillance drones being used by U.S. authorities to help secure World Cup venues and fan events.
According to reports, the organization claimed it had been monitoring operations for months and had obtained images and intelligence gathered by the unmanned aircraft.
The claims have not been independently verified, and SITE Intelligence Group, which tracks extremist and jihadist activity online, disputed Handala’s assertion that the published images originated from hacked FBI drones.
- Advertisement -Hacker Group Issues World Cup Warning
The group nevertheless issued a direct warning connected to the tournament.
“Better tighten your World Cup security, we don’t like some of those teams at all,” Handala reportedly stated.
“Don’t forget: FPVs are everywhere; you never know when one might end up right in your team’s bus.”
- Advertisement -The threat surfaced just hours before the United States Men’s National Team was scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against Paraguay.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, making it the largest World Cup in history.
Federal authorities have deployed drones around stadiums and tournament-related events as part of broader security measures designed to protect players, fans, and officials.
Unauthorized drone activity has been prohibited around designated venues and fan zones.
- Advertisement -Growing Concerns Over Iranian Cyber Activity
The Justice Department has previously warned about potential cyber threats from Iranian-linked actors following escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year.
Handala has previously claimed responsibility for several high-profile cyber intrusions.
Earlier this year, the group alleged that it hacked the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel and published material it claimed included personal and professional correspondence.
The State Department has offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the identification of individuals connected to the organization.
World Cup Faces Mounting Challenges
The alleged cyber threat is only the latest challenge confronting tournament organizers.
- Advertisement -The World Cup has already faced controversy stemming from visa issues, travel disruptions, political tensions, and security concerns.
Several fans, journalists, and officials have reportedly encountered difficulties obtaining visas or entering the United States.
One of the most notable cases involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was removed from FIFA’s referee roster after reportedly being denied entry into the United States.
A Trump administration official said the decision was linked to alleged associations with individuals suspected of ties to terrorist organizations.
- Advertisement -Meanwhile, the tournament’s opening match in Mexico City was accompanied by demonstrations outside the stadium, where protesters clashed with police as authorities used tear gas to disperse crowds.
🇮🇷🇺🇸 An Iran-linked hacker group is claiming to have breached FBI drone systems and is now threatening to target the World Cup, which kicked off this week.
The threat hasn’t been verified, but the framing is deliberate: they’re not just claiming a breach; they’re using it as… pic.twitter.com/Ol36UybITV
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) June 12, 2026
Iran Competes Under Shadow of Conflict
Iran’s participation in the tournament has also drawn attention amid ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The Iranian national team relocated its training base to Tijuana after initially planning to operate out of Arizona.
Iranian officials have reportedly indicated that players will only be permitted to enter the United States for matchdays before departing immediately afterward.
Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
The team’s appearance comes months after military hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensified regional instability and heightened global security concerns.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization’s handling of the tournament, but the latest claims from an Iran-linked cyber group underscore the significant security challenges facing authorities as millions of fans converge on North America for the month-long event.
For U.S. officials, the prospect of hostile actors targeting a tournament of this scale represents one of the most serious security tests in recent memory.
While questions remain about the validity of Handala’s claims, the incident highlights growing concerns over cyber warfare, critical infrastructure security, and the potential vulnerabilities surrounding one of the world’s largest sporting events.