FIFA has opened an investigation into claims of racist abuse involving American content creator IShowSpeed during the 2026 World Cup.
The incident is said to have happened during Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the round of 32 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, has been live streaming matches throughout the tournament. He has more than 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok.
Videos from his YouTube channel show him wearing a Cape Verde shirt while confronting an Argentina supporter in the stands.
FIFA confirmed it is looking into the matter.
“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” the governing body said in a statement.
“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 has become one of the most followed online personalities in the world. He has more than 100 million followers across all social media platforms.
His World Cup live streams have attracted huge audiences. FIFA president Gianni Infantino and former football star Zlatan Ibrahimovic have both appeared during some of his broadcasts.
The reported incident comes only days after another racism case linked to the World Cup.
France star Kylian Mbappe strongly criticised Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after she made racist comments about his background and education on social media following Paraguay’s defeat to France.
The French Football Federation has announced plans to file criminal charges. It described Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable”.
