IShowSpeed at the 2026 World Cup Final: What You Need to Know

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The Big News: Star-Studded World Cup Closing Ceremony

The lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final’s closing ceremony has been announced, and it includes some very famous performers:

• Tom Cruise
• Nicole Scherzinger
• Post Malone
• Robbie Williams
• Italian singer Laura Pausini
• IShowSpeed (a surprise name!)
• Jennifer Hudson (will perform the U.S. national anthem)
• Tom Cruise will also make a special appearance

The show is expected to be watched by around 1.5 billion people globally. While the other headliners are experienced entertainers, IShowSpeed is mostly known for being online and making viral videos. This made people curious about who he is and what he’ll do at such a huge event.

Important Point: IShowSpeed is not a traditional singer or actor like the others—he became famous on the internet!

Who is IShowSpeed?

IShowSpeed was born Darren Watkins Jr. He is a 21-year-old influencer from Cincinnati, Ohio. Here’s the simple version of his story:

• He is an online streamer (someone who broadcasts themselves live on the internet) known for being super energetic, doing wild stunts, and playing video games.
• You might know him from TikTok clips, his music, celebrity meet-ups, or his WWE Wrestlemania debut earlier this year.
• As a kid in the Midwest, he was nicknamed “Speed” because he was fast. He used it as his gamertag (gaming name) at age 12.
• He made his YouTube channel “IShowSpeed” in 2016 and started livestreaming regularly at 15, playing games like NBA 2K and Fortnite.
• In 2021, clips of his loud, chaotic reactions went viral on TikTok and he blew up.
• At the time of writing, he has:
  • 57+ million YouTube subscribers
  • 53+ million TikTok followers
  • 52+ million Instagram followers
  • 5+ million Twitch followers
• He won Streamy Awards in 2022 (Breakout Streamer) and 2023 (Variety Streamer).
• He has traveled and livestreamed on five continents, wrestled in WWE, and met Cristiano Ronaldo.
• He released songs including “World Cup” (2022) and “World Cup (Champions)” (2026), the latter getting 90+ million views in one month.

What Will IShowSpeed Do During the Closing Ceremony?

Here’s what we know from his own livestream on Tuesday:

1. FIFA (the group that runs the World Cup) called him and asked him to perform his song “World Cup (Champions)” at the closing ceremony.
2. He said, “At first I thought it was a prank call.”
3. He called performing at the World Cup final “one of my most craziest achievements.”
4. After the song came out on June 1, he tagged FIFA online asking them to make it the official anthem.
5. FIFA replied, “We will be in touch.” Two days later, the song was added to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Album.
6. The song names all 48 teams from the tournament.
7. Exact performance details are secret, but fans expect him to do his signature backflip.

Important Point: IShowSpeed basically invited himself by posting online—and FIFA said yes!

How Has IShowSpeed Already Been Involved in the World Cup?

IShowSpeed is a big soccer fan and has been part of the 2026 World Cup in these ways:

• He started livestreams from different locations during the June 2026 tournament.
• He partnered with FIFA, Fox Sports, and YouTube to host live broadcasts of some games for U.S. viewers.
• On July 3, while streaming Argentina vs. Cape Verde, a fan made a racist comment toward him on camera.
• FIFA opened an investigation. On July 7, FIFA said: “FIFA strongly condemns racism, hate and discrimination in all forms… anyone who acts in a manner that undermines these values is not welcome in our game.”
• IShowSpeed has not commented on the investigation.

How Do I Watch IShowSpeed’s Performance?

If you want to see him live, here’s the plan:

• The closing ceremony starts at 1:30 p.m. local time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
• Ticket holders should arrive early because FIFA says fans “will have an active role to play in the show.”
• The final will also have the tournament’s first halftime show with Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS.

Summary

IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) is a 21-year-old internet star who went from gaming kid to global influencer with millions of followers. He’ll perform his song “World Cup (Champions)” at the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony alongside big names like Tom Cruise and Nicole Scherzinger. He got the gig after asking FIFA online. He’s already been streaming World Cup matches and even faced a racist incident that FIFA is investigating. You can watch the ceremony July final Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at MetLife Stadium.

FAQ

Q: Who is IShowSpeed in simple terms?
A: He’s a young American guy who got famous by streaming video games and funny, wild videos online, then became a music and internet star.

Q: Why is IShowSpeed performing at the World Cup if he’s not a normal celebrity?
A: Because his World Cup song got super popular, he asked FIFA online to use it, and they invited him to perform it live.

Q: Is the World Cup finale just the match?
A: No! There’s a closing ceremony with IShowSpeed and others, plus the first-ever halftime show with Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS.

Q: What happened with the racist comment toward IShowSpeed?
A: A fan said something racist during his stream; FIFA is investigating and says racism is not allowed at all.