SITE Intelligence Group, an organization monitoring extremist groups, reported on 12/6 that the Handala hacker group claimed to have infiltrated FBI first-person view (FPV) drones "for months." These drones, according to the hackers, are equipped with facial recognition and license plate scanning for counter-terrorism operations.

Handala issued a stark warning: "You had better tighten your World Cup security; we absolutely do not like some of those teams. Do not forget that FPVs are everywhere, and you will never know when one might be right on your team's bus."

World Cup 2026 promotional billboard at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on 23/5. Photo: AFP

The FBI is deploying drones around World Cup stadiums to monitor security and prevent unauthorized flights. Drone operation is prohibited over US stadiums hosting matches, as well as over football fan events.

The US Department of Justice previously warned of the risk of cyberattacks carried out by Iranian actors, following the eruption of conflict in the Middle East in late February.

While Handala released photos and footage they claimed were obtained from hacked drones, SITE refuted these claims. The organization stated that a video of the hack released by the hacker group was actually produced in 12/2024 to promote US police departments' use of technology for assessing tornado damage.

In March, Handala previously claimed to have hacked the email account of FBI Director Kash Patel and published personal photos and other documents online. The US Department of State has offered a reward of up to 10 million USD for information that could help identify members of this group.

The World Cup 2026 opened on 11/6 and will be hosted by three co-host nations: the US, Mexico, and Canada.