FIFA probes racist abuse targeting US streamer IShowSpeed
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 07: American online streamer IShowSpeed reacts as Mostafa Shoubir #23 of Egypt makes a save against a penalty by Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium on July 07, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Justin Setterfield/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Justin Setterfield / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
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The global football body said in a post Tuesday on X that it 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 African-American streamer, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, has over 57 million subscribers on YouTube, with tens of millions more on other video platforms.
The boisterous 21-year-old has been attending and streaming live from World Cup matches under a special deal with FIFA, YouTube, and US broadcaster Fox Sports.
"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 added.
IShowSpeed was also reportedly targeted by more racist abuse during Tuesday's match between Argentina and Egypt, with an Argentine fan imitating a monkey during an encounter with the streamer.
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