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FIFA To Investigate Alleged Racist Incident Against Streamer IShowSpeed At The 2026 World Cup

Rebekah Manibog
By Rebekah ManibogPublished Jul 8, 20262 min read
FIFA World Cup 2026 Racism IShowSpeed

FIFA has launched an investigation into an incident involving viral streamer IShowSpeed (real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where football fans allegedly hurled racist abuse towards the content creator during Argentina's win against Cabo Verde last Friday.

 

On Wednesday (local time), football's governing body issued a statement, confirming it has been made aware of an incident involving supporters and the streamer at Miami Stadium on July 3.

IShowSpeed has streamed multiple matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Image source: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)

"FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms. These actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society," the statement began.

"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 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."

You can peep the full statement below:

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Speed — who visited Australia back in 2024 — has live-streamed at multiple matches throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup after signing a deal with FIFA, US host broadcaster Fox Sports and YouTube, according to Al Jazeera.

During his livestream of the Argentina vs Cabo Verde match, a bunch of spectators were heckling him from the stands. When one woman got his attention, Speed asked what she was saying, and the fan allegedly told him to "go cry at the zoo" in Spanish.

IShowSpeed has not publicly responded to the incident nor FIFA's recent statement regarding the alleged incident.

Across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, Speed boasts more than 184 million followers. His live streams during his time Down Under have also clocked millions of views and can be found on his YouTube channel.

Image source: Getty.

Rebekah Manibog
By Rebekah ManibogSenior Entertainment Reporter

Rebekah Manibog is PEDESTRIAN.TV’s Senior Entertainment Reporter. Hailing from Western Sydney, she has previously written and produced for Punkee, SBS, FBi Radio, Flash, and Total Girl Magazine. Beyond entertainment, she covers breaking news, internet culture, AusPol, travel, and gaming.

You can reach out to her at rebekah.manibog@vinyl.media. 

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