IShowSpeed has become one of the loudest, most unpredictable side stories of the FIFA World Cup 2026, turning every match into a stream of reactions, chaos, and meme-worthy meltdowns. From wild celebrations to instant despair, he has drawn as much attention as the games themselves. But behind the laughter and clamour, a very dark curse seems to loom over this YouTuber.

That “curse” looked stronger again last night when IShowSpeed was backing Egypt against Argentina. He was in full flow as Egypt scored, then saw Lionel Messi miss a penalty, a moment he seemed to think he helped influence by distracting him. Egypt briefly looked in control, but Argentina flipped the match late, scoring three times in 13 minutes to complete a stunning comeback and eliminate Egypt.

The result added another bizarre chapter to Speed’s reputation as a bad-luck charm for whoever he supports. The pattern extends beyond one game. Earlier the same day, Speed was cheering for Portugal against Spain, only for Portugal to lose 1-0 and exit the tournament. In another high-profile example, he backed Brazil against Norway, and Brazil were knocked out 2-1, with Norway advancing instead.

Before that, he also supported Côte d’Ivoire against Norway, but the Ivorians fell 2-1 as well. The joke among fans is that Speed’s allegiance guarantees heartbreak. Whether it is a giant like Brazil or a more unexpected pick like Côte d’Ivoire, the outcome seems the same: the team he supports ends up losing. That is what has turned the “Speed curse” into one of the tournament’s strangest ongoing storylines.

But beyond the memes and matchday drama, a far more serious issue has also come into focus after last night's match.

FIFA investigates abuse incident involving IShowSpeed

FIFA has opened an investigation into alleged racist abuse directed at American streamer IShowSpeed during the World Cup, and the incident should be treated as serious, not as internet spectacle. Racism in any form is completely unwarranted and intolerable, whether it happens in a stadium, online, or anywhere else.

The allegation stems from a confrontation during Argentina’s 3-2 win over Cape Verde on July 3 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where footage on IShowSpeed’s channel shows him in Cape Verde gear arguing with an Argentina supporter in the stands. FIFA said it was made aware of the incident immediately and launched an investigation, underscoring its position that the tournament is supposed to stand for “unity, diversity and respect.”

Rivalry, jokes, and online banter are one thing; racist abuse is something else entirely, and it crosses a hard line that football cannot shrug off as part of the entertainment. The fact that IShowSpeed has become such a visible presence at the tournament only increases the responsibility on fans and officials to make sure the spotlight does not normalize abuse.

What do you think about the so-called Speed curse and the broader issues surrounding fan behavior at the World Cup? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Pratham Gurung

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui