Cybersecurity threat raises concerns over surveillance vulnerabilities and event security for the upcoming global tournament.
An Iran-linked hacking group, Handala, claimed it breached FBI surveillance drones, accessing months of footage including facial recognition and license plate data. The group threatened teams participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning of potential security risks during the event.
The claim follows previous allegations by the same group, including a breach of FBI Director Kash Patel’s email. Researchers have disputed some of the evidence provided by the hackers, citing inconsistencies in their assertions. The threat emerges amid elevated tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
No immediate market reaction was reported, but the incident underscores cybersecurity risks for high-profile global events and critical infrastructure.