FIFA to conduct investigation on racist abuse against live-streamer

By Lithira Ekanayaka

Popular social media influencer IShowSpeed, who has 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok, was subjected to alleged racist abuse during his livestream of the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde.

During the livestream, the 21-year-old streamer was wearing a Cape Verde jersey and supporting the African nation when he became involved in a confrontation with an Argentine fan in the stands. The exchange allegedly included racial slurs, sparking widespread outrage online.

Acting immediately, football’s governing body FIFA launched an investigation into the incident, posting 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.”

In a statement regarding the incident, FIFA added: “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.” 

IShowSpeed was also reportedly subjected to further racist abuse during Tuesday’s Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt, with an Argentine fan allegedly imitating a monkey during an encounter with the streamer. 

Due to his immense popularity around the world and influence among football fans, IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has been working with FIFA under a content partnership that allows him to livestream World Cup matches through an agreement involving FIFA, YouTube and U.S. broadcaster Fox Sports.