IShowSpeed meets BTS at World Cup Final, sparking fan frenzy
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- American streamer IShowSpeed met the K-pop group BTS at the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.
- Videos of their interaction, including hugs and IShowSpeed's somersault, went viral on social media.
- BTS members commented on IShowSpeed's Instagram post, expressing mutual excitement about the meeting.
American streamer IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., had a memorable encounter with the K-pop group BTS at the FIFA World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The unexpected meeting between the streamer and the seven members of the globally popular music group became a significant talking point on social media.
The interaction occurred during the final match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, July 19, 2026. In a video shared on his personal Instagram, IShowSpeed was seen excitedly running towards the BTS members, embracing each one, and declaring himself a "big fan."
Big fan, bro!
Members of BTS appeared equally enthusiastic. J-Hope was particularly animated by IShowSpeed's energetic behavior, while RM addressed the streamer by his real name, "Darren," suggesting a level of familiarity. IShowSpeed further entertained the group by performing a somersault in front of them.
We were just as amazed to meet you
The meeting delighted BTS's fanbase, known as ARMY, who flooded IShowSpeed's comment section with reactions. Fans humorously noted Jimin's seemingly startled reaction to IShowSpeed's high energy and Jungkook's captivated gaze during the somersault. The engagement deepened when BTS members themselves commented on IShowSpeed's Instagram post. V BTS wrote, "We were just as amazed to meet you," while RM posted heart and fire emojis, and J-Hope shared a video of the encounter on his Instagram Story.
Adding to the memorable day, Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina. IShowSpeed jokingly remarked, "As soon as I met BTS, they scored a goal," acknowledging the coincidental timing of the meeting and the match outcome. While no direct link exists between meeting BTS and Spain's win, the timing was notably coincidental.
As soon as I met BTS, they scored a goal
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.