The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has condemned racist insults against American streamer IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) and launched an official investigation into the incident. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
"FIFA strongly condemns racism, hatred and discrimination in all its forms. Such behavior has no place in football, at the World Cup, or in society as a whole. The organization was notified of an incident involving a fan and IShowSpeed that occurred at the stadium in Miami during the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match, and immediately launched an investigation. The World Cup is a symbol of unity, diversity and respect. The tournament brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and those whose actions contradict these values cannot be part of our football," FIFA representatives said.
The scandal occurred on July 3, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami during the Round of 16 match of the 2026 World Cup between Argentina and Cape Verde.
The streamer was broadcasting live from the stands, wearing a Cape Verde jersey. Fans in Argentina shirts began shouting racist insults at him in Spanish and English.
The fan was captured on video shouting at the streamer, "Go cry in the zoo" (a reference to monkey chants) and "Go home."
According to foreign media, IShowSpeed has over 56 million subscribers on YouTube and has an official streaming partnership with FIFA for this tournament, making the situation even more resonant for the federation's leadership.
Earlier, Kursiv reported that FIFA responded to the scandal surrounding footballer Balogun.