July 9 – FIFA has launched an investigation after an alleged incident of racist abuse involving American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed and a supporter during the World Cup match between Argentina and Cape Verde.

IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr, has more than 56 million subscribers on YouTube and over 53 million on TikTok, and has been live-streaming from matches throughout the tournament.

FIFA said it was alerted to an incident at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3, where the last 32 fixture was played. Footage from a stream on his channel appears to show the 21-year-old, wearing a Cape Verde kit, in a confrontation with an Argentina fan in the crowd.

FIFA’s response was firm. “FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms, these actions have no place in football, at the FIFA World Cup, or anywhere in society.” It confirmed it had immediately opened an investigation, adding that anyone undermining the values of unity and respect “is not welcome in our game.”

There’s a notable footnote here. IShowSpeed is no stranger to football’s inner circle. It was on his channels that FIFA President Gianni Infantino floated the idea of Cristiano Ronaldo appearing at last year’s Club World Cup, a move that never came off. He has met Ronaldo and streamed from the 2025 Champions League final and this year’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

The investigation is ongoing. Given the size of the audience watching, FIFA will want to be seen getting this one right.

Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at [email protected]