FIFA starts investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at iShowSpeed
Darren “iShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. was allegedly targeted with racist abuse in the Argentina vs Cape Verde World Cup 2026 match, leading to FIFA opening an investigation into the incident.
iShowSpeed has been on a busy IRL tour during the ongoing World Cup, primarily to support his hero Cristiano Ronaldo. However, the legendary striker’s tournament came to an end in the loss against Spain, leading to an emotional outburst from Speed given it was his last World Cup.
iShowSpeed has also been making appearances at Lionel Messi’s matches to hate watch Ronaldo’s great rival. However, things turned ugly during the Argentina vs Cape Verde last-32 match, and FIFA is now looking into reports that Speed was racially abused.
Argentine fan allegedly tells Speed to ‘go cry at a zoo’, FIFA investigates
iShowSpeed is renowned for his interactions with fans, especially during the World Cup, and it makes up a big proportion of his content. During the Argentina vs Cape Verde match, a fan leaned over a railing to catch Speed’s attention. The YouTuber asked her what she was saying, and the Argentine fan apparently told Speed to “go cry at the zoo.”
In a clip that has since gone viral, the same fan later allegedly told iShowSpeed to go home. At the time, fans debated whether Argentina fans were targeting or just hazing Speed because of the streamer’s dislike of Messi. A young boy was also seen gesturing with his fingers toward Speed during the same match, and the YouTuber told him he’s “a bad boy.”
Image credit: FIFA
FIFA has publicly condemned “racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms.” The organization revealed that it had been notified of an incident involving Speed and a supporter during the Argentina vs Cape Verde match on July 3, 2026, and “immediately initiated an investigation.” Some have praised FIFA for taking the issue seriously and looking into it rapidly.
Others have criticized the organization and questioned why it’s silent on the abusive comments Kylian Mbappé faced after scoring a winning penalty to eliminate Paraguay from the World Cup — most notably from Celeste Amarilla, a senator from Paraguay. Honorary captain of FIFA’s Players’ Voice Panel, George Weah, has condemned the incident, but fans claim the organization as a whole could be more vocal about it.
Despite FIFA opening an investigation into the behavior of the Argentine fan at the World Cup, Speed allegedly faced racism again during the team’s latest knockout match. During the Argentina vs Egypt match, a fan was allegedly making monkey-like gestures towards the YouTuber. Speed was visibly disheartened by the action and was seemingly trying to ignore it.
Many of the streamer’s fans have accused Argentine fans have been targeting Speed during the entire World Cup and are demanding FIFA take severe action. The organization’s investigation continues, but it has certainly created renewed debate over how football’s governing body addresses and punishes racism.
WIN.gg has contacted iShowSpeed’s representatives for comment.
Feature image credit: iShowSpeed
Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.
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