American YouTuber IShowSpeed makes gestures during a World Cup match. (AP photo)
FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American content creator IShowSpeed during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, highlighting discrimination at the tournament despite another dramatic victory for the defending champions.The incident allegedly occurred at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami during Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde on July 3. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, was attending the match wearing a Cape Verde shirt when he was seen confronting an Argentina fan in footage broadcast on his YouTube channel.
The 21-year-old internet personality, who has more than 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok, has become a familiar face at the World Cup through his live streams, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic appearing in some of his live streams.
FIFA condemns the alleged violations
FIFA confirmed the investigation and said it acted immediately upon learning of the allegations.“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” FIFA said in a statement, according to a BBC report. “It brings together people, cultures and communities from all over the world and anyone who acts in a way that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”The investigation comes just days after another racist controversy overshadowed the tournament, as France captain Kylian Mbappe condemned racist statements made by Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla after France’s victory in the round of 16.
The French Football Federation has since announced plans to bring criminal charges over the comments.
Argentina survives another exciting World Cup tournament
Amid the controversy off the field, Argentina once again showed their remarkable resilience by coming back from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals.The defending champions looked on the verge of elimination after Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico scored twice to give Egypt a 2-0 lead just 11 minutes before normal time.Christian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi equalized four minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament and his 21st goal in the World Cup.Enzo Fernandez completed the stunning turnaround in stoppage time to keep Argentina’s title defense alive.“We have a great group, a group that never gives up, no matter the difficulties and adversities. We are always together,” Fernandes said after the victory.Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, as Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.
