FIFA has launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse involving American content creator IShowSpeed during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match against Cape Verde, highlighting discrimination at the tournament despite another dramatic 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 match wearing a Cape Verde shirt when he was seen confronting an Argentina supporter in footage posted on his YouTube channel.The 21-year-old internet personality, who boasts more than 57 million YouTube subscribers and 53 million TikTok followers, has become a familiar face at the World Cup through his live broadcasts, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and soccer legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic in some of his streams.
FIFA condemns alleged abuses
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 undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”The inquiry comes just days after another racism controversy rocked the tournament, with France captain Kylian Mbappe condemning racist remarks made by Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla following France’s round of 16 win. The French Football Federation has since announced plans to pursue criminal charges over the comments.
Argentina survive another World Cup thriller
Amid the off-field controversy, Argentina once again showed their trademark resilience, fighting back from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2 and secure a place in the quarter-finals.The defending champions looked on the brink of elimination after goals from Yasser Ibrahim and Mostafa Zico gave Egypt a 2-0 lead with just 11 minutes of regulation time remaining.Cristian Romero sparked the comeback in the 79th minute, before Lionel Messi leveled the scores four minutes later with his eighth goal of the tournament and a World Cup record 21st strike.Enzo Fernandez completed the remarkable stoppage-time breakthrough to keep Argentina’s title defense alive.“We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up no matter the difficulties and adversity. We are always together,” Fernandez said after the win.Argentina will now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals as Lionel Scaloni’s side continue their quest for back-to-back World Cup titles.