IShowSpeed was involved in another disturbing World Cup crowd incident after a viral video appeared to show Argentina supporters shouting, gesturing and allegedly throwing objects toward the American streamer during the semifinal against England in Atlanta.
The footage was shared by verified X account @yoxics shortly after IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., took his seat at Atlanta Stadium. The social-media post alleged that objects and racist remarks were directed at him by Argentina supporters positioned in a section above his seating area.
The 17-second clip shows several supporters leaning over a barrier, shouting and making gestures toward Speed. However, the exact words used cannot be clearly established from the circulated footage. It is also difficult to identify what, if anything, was thrown toward him.
Important: The allegations surrounding the Atlanta video have not been publicly confirmed by FIFA, local police or stadium officials. The claims are based on the viral footage and the description accompanying the social-media post.
The incident occurred around the highly charged England-Argentina semifinal, a fixture carrying decades of sporting and political tension. The rivalry includes Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986, David Beckham’s red card in 1998 and his penalty redemption four years later, as explored in this detailed look at the England vs Argentina World Cup rivalry.
Argentina eventually defeated England 2-1 after a dramatic late comeback. Anthony Gordon put England ahead in the 55th minute, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th before substitute Lautaro Martínez headed in the winner during stoppage time.
The result, recorded on the official FIFA match centre, sent defending champions Argentina into the final against Spain and ended England’s attempt to reach its first men’s World Cup final since 1966.
FIFA was already investigating an earlier incident
The semifinal confrontation attracted additional attention because FIFA had already opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at Speed during Argentina’s Round of 32 match against Cabo Verde on July 3.
Speed was livestreaming from the stands at Miami Stadium while wearing a Cabo Verde shirt when he became involved in an exchange with an Argentina supporter. A Spanish remark heard in the footage was widely translated as telling Speed to “go cry to the zoo.”
The words and gestures generated accusations of racial abuse because Speed is Black. FIFA subsequently confirmed that it was investigating the confrontation and condemned racism, hate and discrimination.
According to an Associated Press report on FIFA’s investigation, the governing body said the World Cup was intended to celebrate unity, diversity and respect and that behaviour undermining those values was not welcome in football.
Argentina won that match 3-2, but the off-field confrontation continued to circulate across social media. The new Atlanta video has therefore raised questions over whether Speed was targeted by Argentina supporters for a second time during the same tournament.
Speed has been broadcasting regularly from World Cup stadiums and producing content around matches for his large online following. His presence reflects the tournament’s growing focus on digital creators, highlights and social-media coverage, including the wider YouTube World Cup viewing and creator partnership.
His relationship with sections of Argentina’s fan base has often been tense because of his public support for Cristiano Ronaldo and his repeated jokes about Lionel Messi.
During Argentina’s quarterfinal victory over Switzerland, Speed wore an Argentina shirt while joking that his supposed sporting “curse” could cause the defending champions to lose. Argentina instead won 3-1 after extra time.
Former Argentina striker Maxi López later made a provocative warning about Speed wearing the shirt again. López’s remarks were widely interpreted as part of the online joke about Speed attempting to bring bad luck to Argentina, but they also added to the hostile atmosphere surrounding his attendance at the semifinal.
A report covering the Maxi López warning to IShowSpeed noted that the former Barcelona player told the streamer not to wear Argentina colours again.
Speed’s football trolling and his support for Ronaldo may explain why some Messi or Argentina supporters react strongly to him. However, online jokes, rivalries or deliberately provocative content would not justify racist abuse, threats or objects being thrown.
Speed previously had objects thrown at him in Algeria
The Atlanta allegation is not the first occasion on which IShowSpeed has faced objects being thrown from a football crowd.
During his Africa tour in January 2026, the streamer attended the Algerian Super Cup between MC Alger and USM Alger at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers. Bottles, paper balls and other objects were reportedly thrown toward him while he was walking near the pitch and livestreaming.
Security personnel intervened and moved Speed away from the area as the situation became increasingly tense. The Algeria stadium confrontation also generated debate over crowd behaviour, security and the risks faced by livestreamers at major sporting events.
Despite the latest controversy, Speed remains part of FIFA’s official entertainment programme. He has been announced among the personalities appearing before the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium.
FIFA’s official plans include Speed alongside Tom Cruise, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and other performers. Full details are available in the guide to the World Cup final closing ceremony performers.
The latest video is likely to increase pressure on FIFA and stadium security officials to determine exactly what happened in Atlanta. Until a statement or clearer footage emerges, the claims involving racist remarks and thrown objects remain allegations rather than independently established facts.
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