American YouTube sensation, Darren Watkins Jr., known popularly as IShowSpeed has been confirmed as one of the headline performers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, capping off a tournament in which he has become one of the most recognisable personalities away from the football pitch.
Joining a star-studded line-up that includes Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, the influencer has become one of the tournament’s biggest personalities, attracting millions of viewers with his World Cup livestreams and interactions with football stars across North America.
His song World Cup (Champions) has surpassed 89 million YouTube views and was selected for the official 2026 FIFA World Cup album, further cementing his role in the tournament.
Throughout the World Cup, the 21-year-old content creator travelled across North America, attending matches, meeting football stars and broadcasting his experiences to millions of viewers through his livestreams. His energetic coverage has made him one of the tournament’s biggest online attractions.
FIFA has now elevated his role even further by confirming that he will take to the stage during Sunday’s closing ceremony before the World Cup final.
The performance marks another milestone in IShowSpeed’s meteoric rise from gaming streamer to one of the world’s most influential internet personalities. His passion for football, particularly his admiration for Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronald, has become a defining part of his online identity, earning him collaborations and appearances with some of the sport’s biggest names.
His World Cup livestreams from stadiums, fan parks and host cities have consistently attracted millions of viewers, reinforcing his status as one of the tournament’s most prominent digital ambassadors.
