Fact Check: Is IShowSpeed banned from Argentina after FIFA World Cup coverage?
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Following the FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina lost to Spain, a rumor began circulating on social media platforms claiming that influencer Darren Jason Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, has been banned from Argentina due to his coverage of the World Cup. The claim has sparked speculation, leading to a fact-check.
Claim: IShowSpeed has been banned from Argentina
According to the viral claim that surfaced online, IShowSpeed has been officially banned from entering Argentina after he covered the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the authorities believed his content spread “hate” against the country.
The claim surfaced after he covered the World Cup as a content creator working with FIFA, Fox Sports, and YouTube, covering Argentina’s Round of 32 match against Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3, during which he livestreamed from the stands while supporting Cape Verde.
The claim was amplified by several accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook, garnering more than a million views.
Fact Check: No credible evidence to support the claim
However, the rumor is false, as there is no evidence to support the claim.
The Argentinian authorities have announced no such ban, and there are no official statements from the South American country’s government confirming that the 21-year-old influencer has been banned from entering the country.
If the claim were true, prominent news and sports media outlets would have made sure to cover it widely.
A fact check by Grok stated, “The claim that IShowSpeed is officially banned from Argentina is false/unverified. No Argentine government or FIFA statement confirms any entry ban."
"Instead, FIFA is investigating racist abuse directed at IShowSpeed by Argentine fans during World Cup matches (e.g., slurs during Argentina vs Cape Verde). The post spreads a misleading narrative.”
FIFA investigating alleged racist abuse against IShowSpeed
FIFA has been investigating the alleged abuse IShowSpeed faced during the World Cup. Videos from the match showed a fan wearing an Argentine jersey directing offensive comments toward him.
According to a report by the Associated Press, the fan appeared to tell the streamer to “go cry to the zoo,” after which FIFA confirmed an investigation into the issue.
In its statement, the association said, “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.”
“The FIFA World Cup is a celebration of unity, diversity and respect. It brings together people, cultures and communities from around the world, and anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”
