FIFA launches racism investigation after allegations of IShowSpeed abuse during Argentina World Cup clash
American YouTuber IShowSpeed gestures during a World Cup match. (AP photo) FIFA has opened an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American content creator IShowSpeed during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, targeting discrimination at the tournament despite another dramatic victory for the defending champions.The incident reportedly took place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami during Argentina’s 3-2 overtime win over Cape Verde on July 3. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was attending the match wearing a Cape Verdean jersey when he was seen confronting an Argentina fan in footage streamed on his YouTube channel.The 21-year-old internet personality, who boasts more than 57 million YouTube subscribers and 53 million TikTok followers, has become a household name at the World Cup through his live broadcasts, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic appearing on some of his streams.
FIFA condemns the alleged abuse
FIFA confirmed the investigation and said it acted immediately after learning of the allegations.“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” the governing body said in a statement, according to a BBC report. “It unites people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a way that undermines those values is not welcome in our game.”The investigation comes just days after another racist controversy overshadowed the tournament, with France captain Kylian Mbappe condemning racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarillo following France’s Round of 16 victory. The French Football Federation has since announced that it plans to prosecute over the comments.
Argentina survived another World Cup thriller
Amid the off-pitch controversy, Argentina once again showed their trademark resilience by fighting back from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and book their place in the quarter-finals.The defending champions looked on the brink of elimination after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico gave Egypt a 2-0 advantage with just 11 minutes of regulation time remaining.Cristian Romero sparked a comeback in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi equalized four minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament and a record 21st strike at the World Cup.Enzo Fernandez completed a remarkable turnaround in stoppage time to keep Argentina’s title defense alive.“We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We are always together,” Fernandez said after the win.Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals as Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.