During a live broadcast of the game against Cape Verde in Miami, an Argenitna supporter told Speed he would go to the zoo and cry.
Published July 8, 2026
FIFA has condemned the racist abuse hurled at social media influencer IShowSpeed during a live broadcast of a World Cup match in the United States.
Soccer’s international governing body issued a statement on Tuesday saying it “strongly condemns all forms of racism, hatred and discrimination” following an incident involving an American social media celebrity and a fan during last week’s last-32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde.
“FIFA became aware of an incident involving a supporter and #IShowSpeed at Miami Stadium during the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match on July 3, 2026, and immediately launched an investigation,” the statement said.
Speed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has watched and streamed several World Cup matches under a deal with FIFA, US-based host broadcaster Fox Sports and YouTube that allows him to synchronize the official match feed.
During a live broadcast of Argentina vs. Cape Verde in Miami, Speed turned to a fan leaning on the railing of the stands to get their attention. When asked what he was saying, the fan apparently told Speed in Spanish, “Go to the zoo and cry.”
The American celebrity boasts over 150 million social media followers, 57 million subscribers on YouTube, 50 million followers on Instagram, 47 million followers on TikTok, 4.1 million followers on X, and is a popular crowd favorite at World Cup stadiums.
Last month, during a World Cup match in New Jersey, Al Jazeera witnessed fans mocking the speed with which players were leaving the stadium while surrounded by security guards.
FIFA said the World Cup is a celebration of “unity, diversity and respect” and that FIFA does not welcome “anyone whose behavior undermines these values”.
