FIFA Investigates Racist Abuse Allegations Against IShowSpeed

FIFA has launched an investigation after American social media influencer IShowSpeed was allegedly subjected to racist abuse by a supporter during Argentina's 3-2 World Cup win over Cape Verde on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. IShowSpeed, 21, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has over 100 million followers across platforms, including 57 million on YouTube and 53 million on TikTok. He has been live-streaming matches from the tournament, with appearances by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Footage on his YouTube channel shows him wearing a Cape Verde kit and confronting an Argentina fan in the stands. FIFA stated it was made aware of the incident and immediately initiated an investigation, emphasizing that the World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity, and respect, and that anyone undermining these values is not welcome. The alleged abuse follows recent racist remarks by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla against France forward Kylian Mbappe, which the French Football Federation plans to challenge with criminal charges.