FIFA has condemned racist abuse directed at social media influencer IShowSpeed during his livestream at a World Cup match in the United States.
Football’s global governing body issued a statement on Tuesday saying it “strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms” after an incident involving the American social media personality and a fan at Argentina’s last-32 match against Cabo Verde last week.
“FIFA was made aware of an incident involving a supporter and #IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match on 3 July 2026 and immediately initiated an investigation,” the statement said.
Speed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, has attended and streamed several World Cup matches under a deal with FIFA, US based host broadcaster Fox Sports and YouTube that lets him simulcast official match feeds.
During his livestream of the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Speed turned towards a fan leaning over the railing of his stand to catch his attention. When he asked what was being said, the fan, wearing an Argentina jersey, appeared to tell Speed in Spanish to “go cry to the zoo.”
The American creator has a social media following of over 150 million, including 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 50 million followers on Instagram, 47 million on TikTok and 4.1 million on X, and has drawn large crowds at World Cup stadiums throughout the tournament.
Speed was mobbed by fans as he exited a World Cup match in New Jersey last month, surrounded by security.
FIFA said the World Cup was a celebration of “unity, diversity, and respect” and that the organisation would not welcome anyone “who acts in a manner that undermines these values.”
