FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American content creator IShowSpeed in Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, putting the spotlight on discrimination at the tournament despite another remarkable victory for the defending champions.The incident allegedly took place at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium during Argentina’s 3-2 extra-time win over Cape Verde on July 3. IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was attending the game wearing a Cape Verde jersey when he was seen confronting an Argentina supporter in footage streamed on his YouTube channel.The 21-year-old internet personality, who has more than 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok, has become a familiar face at the World Cup through his live broadcasts, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and football legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic appearing in some of his streams.
FIFA condemned the alleged abuse
Confirming the investigation, FIFA 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 brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world and anyone who acts in a way that harms these values is not welcome in our sport.”The scrutiny comes just days after a racism controversy overshadowed the tournament, with France captain Kylian Mbappe condemning racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla after France’s Round of 16 win. The French Football Federation has since announced plans to pursue criminal charges over the comments.
Argentina survived another World Cup thriller
Amid the off-field controversy, Argentina again showed their trademark resilience by fighting back from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 and earn a place in the quarter-finals.The defending champions looked close to elimination after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico gave Egypt a 2-0 advantage with 11 minutes of regulation time remaining.Cristian Romero sparked a comeback in the 79th minute before Lionel Messi leveled the scores four minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament and a record-extending 21st World Cup strike.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 what the difficulties and hardships are. We always stick together,” said Fernandez after the victory.Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals as Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.