Popular streamer iShowSpeed is used to being the centre of attention, but this time things apparently went too far.
Speed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., allegedly has been on the receiving end of racist abuse while attending matches featuring Argentina during the FIFA World Cup.
During Argentina’s Round of 32 match against Cabo Verde in Miami, fans allegedly uttered a racist slur towards Speed and then told him in Spanish to “go cry at the zoo.”
Then, during Tuesday’s controversial match between Argentina and Egypt in Atlanta, Speed once again was livestreaming when fans began to make comments and gestures towards him.
However, a user on X claiming to be the fan in question defended his actions, saying that he was imitating the streamer’s actions.
“I wasn’t being racist, I was imitating Speed himself, it disgusts me and that anti-Argentina campaign has me fed up,” the user wrote. “To top it off, if it had been ‘racist’ then tough luck for him, he’s in ALL the matches busting balls against Argentina, what are we gonna tell him? Love ya?”
Who is iShowSpeed?
Speed is a self-proclaimed superfan of Cristiano Ronaldo and had been attempting to antagonize the Portuguese superstar’s rival, Lionel Messi, during matches.
The American streamer is a bona fide celebrity, boasting more than 150 million followers on social media. Speed has 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 50 million followers on Instagram, 47 million on TikTok and 4.1 million on X.
He has attended and livestreamed several matches during the tournament under a deal with FIFA, Fox and YouTube.
What is FIFA doing about the incident?
FIFA condemned the alleged racist abuse and said that it has opened an investigation into the incident.
“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 organization shared in a post on social media site X.
“FIFA 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 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.”