iShowSpeed gets serious advice from England after ‘cursing’ eight teams at the World Cup
Internet star iShowSpeed has been asked not to support England in their World Cup quarter-final against Norway after “jinxing” several teams in the tournament.
Speed, whose real name is Darren Watkins, has been streaming to millions during the World Cup and has attended many matches in person. His most recent live game was Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16.
Down 2-0 with just 11 minutes left, Argentina scored three goals to snatch victory in a tense and controversial match. Speed made headlines for trying to distract Lionel Messi during his penalty kick, wearing an Egypt shirt and shaking his head in disbelief when the final whistle blew.
But Egypt is only one of the eight teams Speed has supported this World Cup. He has also worn jerseys for the USA (his home country), Austria, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Senegal, and Portugal (because of Cristiano Ronaldo). Unfortunately, every one of those teams has been knocked out.
Football content creator Ben Black posted a TikTok video showing Speed looking upset in all those different shirts. Thinking Speed might be bad luck, Black warned fans not to let Speed wear an England shirt for their upcoming quarter-final against Norway.
“If anyone sees this guy in an England shirt, take it off him,” Black said. “We’re winning the World Cup, bringing it home, and this guy can’t ruin that.” He added in the post caption, “Please @IShowSpeed don’t wear an England top,” with prayer emojis.
In a sad turn, FIFA is now investigating claims that Speed faced racist abuse from an Argentina fan during the Argentina vs. Cape Verde match. Speed, who was streaming live while wearing a Cape Verde shirt, was told to “go cry at the zoo” in Spanish by a fan.
FIFA released a statement condemning racism and said they’re looking into the incident. They emphasized that the World Cup is about unity, respect, and diversity, and anyone acting against those values isn’t welcome.
As part of the World Cup, Speed has a deal with FIFA and Fox Sports that lets him stream live games from the stadiums.