Fifa has opened a formal investigation into alleged racist abuse involving American social media influencer IShowSpeed during Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde on Friday.
The incident is alleged to have taken place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on 3 July, where the last-32 fixture was held.
Fifa said it was made aware of the situation and “immediately initiated an investigation” following the alleged abuse at the venue.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr, has been live-streaming matches throughout the tournament to his enormous online audience.
The 21-year-old commands 57 million subscribers on YouTube and 53 million followers on TikTok, making him one of the most-watched broadcasters at this summer’s competition.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino and former Barcelona and AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic have both appeared in some of IShowSpeed’s broadcasts during the tournament.
Footage on IShowSpeed’s YouTube channel shows him wearing a Cape Verde kit while in a confrontation with an Argentina supporter in the stands.
Fifa issued a strong statement condemning any behaviour that contradicts the values of the tournament and the sport more broadly.
“The Fifa World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect,” the governing body said, adding that “anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”
The alleged incident comes just days after France forward Kylian Mbappe publicly condemned a Paraguayan senator over a series of racist remarks directed at him.
Mbappe labelled Celeste Amarilla, of Paraguay’s Liberal Radical Party, as “despicable” and unworthy of her position after she posted mocking comments about his origin and education on X.
Amarilla’s remarks followed Paraguay’s defeat by France in the last 16 of the World Cup, sparking widespread condemnation from across the sport.
The French football federation has since announced plans to file criminal charges, describing Amarilla’s comments as “utterly abhorrent and unacceptable.”
The two incidents highlight growing concerns around racism at this year’s tournament, with football’s governing body now under pressure to demonstrate a firm response.
