FIFA investigates racist abuse directed at IShowSpeed in Miami
FIFA said it opened an inquiry after a supporter racially abused streamer Darren Watkins Jr. at Argentina’s World Cup match against Cabo Verde.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
FIFA said it has opened an investigation after American streamer IShowSpeed was subjected to racist abuse by a supporter at a World Cup match in Miami. The incident drew attention because Watkins has been streaming from multiple tournament venues under an agreement tied to FIFA, Fox Sports and YouTube.
The governing body said Tuesday that it had been alerted to an incident involving the online personality, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., at Miami Stadium. FIFA said the episode happened at Argentina’s last-32 match against Cabo Verde on July 3, 2026.
“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 organization said in a statement.
FIFA also said it “strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms.” It described the World Cup as a tournament meant to promote “unity, diversity, and respect” and said people who undermine those values are not welcome.
What happened on the livestream
According to Al Jazeera, the incident unfolded while Watkins was livestreaming from the Argentina-Cabo Verde match. A supporter leaning over a railing appeared to try to get his attention.
Watkins turned toward the supporter and asked what she was saying, Al Jazeera reported. The supporter apparently told him in Spanish to “go cry at the zoo.”
Watkins has become a visible figure around the 2026 World Cup. Al Jazeera reported that he has attended and streamed several matches through a deal involving FIFA, Fox Sports, the United States-based host broadcaster, and YouTube, allowing him to simulcast official match feeds.
The streamer has a large online audience. Al Jazeera reported that Watkins has more than 150 million followers across platforms, including 57 million YouTube subscribers, 50 million Instagram followers, 47 million TikTok followers and 4.1 million followers on X.
His appearances have also drawn large crowds at stadiums. Al Jazeera said it saw Watkins surrounded by fans and security while leaving a World Cup match in New Jersey last month.
FIFA did not announce any disciplinary action in the statement cited by Al Jazeera. The organization said only that it had begun an investigation after being made aware of the incident.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.