FIFA launched an investigation after American streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr, known as IShowSpeed, reported racist abuse during the Argentina vs Cape Verde match on July 3, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami [1, 2, 3, 4].
IShowSpeed, 21, who has over 57 million subscribers on YouTube and millions more on TikTok and Instagram, was wearing a Cape Verde jersey when an Argentine supporter confronted him [1, 2, 3, 4]. Footage showed him questioning comments from the fan, who reportedly said "go cry in the zoo" in Spanish, a racial slur directed at him [3].
FIFA condemned the acts, stating, "The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game." The organization added it "strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms," emphasizing that such behavior has no place in football or society [1, 2, 3, 4].
IShowSpeed has a special arrangement with FIFA, YouTube, and Fox Sports that allows him to attend and live stream World Cup matches to his global audience [2, 4].
Further reports indicated that on July 7 during the Argentina vs Egypt match, IShowSpeed was again subjected to racist insults when an Argentine fan imitated a monkey at him [2, 4]. FIFA publicly announced the start of its investigation on the same day via a post on X, formerly known as Twitter [2, 4].
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, praised by FIFA's president, has featured prominent football figures appearing in IShowSpeed’s streams, highlighting the growing role of digital influencers in the tournament’s coverage [1].
FIFA continues its inquiry into the July 3 and subsequent incidents as it works to uphold its commitment to eliminating racism in football.
