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FIFA condemns fan’s racist attack on IShowSpeed at Argentina World Cup match

From Al Jazeera · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • FIFA has condemned a racist incident involving social media influencer IShowSpeed at a World Cup match.
  • A fan reportedly told the influencer to "go cry at the zoo" during a livestream of the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match.
  • FIFA stated it is investigating the incident and reiterated its commitment to unity, diversity, and respect.

FIFA has strongly condemned a racist incident that occurred during a World Cup match, involving American social media celebrity IShowSpeed. The global football governing body issued a statement Tuesday denouncing "racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms" following the event.

strongly condemns racism, hate, and discrimination in all forms

— FIFAFIFA's official statement condemning the incident.

The incident took place during Argentina's match against Cabo Verde in Miami on July 3, 2026. FIFA confirmed it has launched an investigation after being made aware of the situation involving a supporter and IShowSpeed during his livestream of the game.

go cry at the zoo

— FanWhat a fan reportedly said to IShowSpeed during a livestream at the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde match.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has been attending and streaming several World Cup matches under agreements with FIFA, Fox Sports, and YouTube. During the livestream of the Argentina vs. Cabo Verde game, a fan leaning over a railing reportedly told Speed to "go cry at the zoo" in Spanish when asked what she was saying.

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

— FIFAFIFA's statement confirming the investigation into the incident.

With a massive social media following exceeding 150 million across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, IShowSpeed is a significant draw at World Cup events. FIFA emphasized that the World Cup is a celebration of "unity, diversity, and respect," and stated that individuals undermining these values are not welcome.

unity, diversity, and respect

— FIFAFIFA's description of the values celebrated at the World Cup.
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Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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