In the run-up to the 2026 World Cup, 21-year-old streamer IShowSpeed, born Darren Watkins Jr., released a viral music video titled “World Cup (Champions)” that quickly became an internet sensation. The song’s massive success, with over 7 million views in under 24 hours, led FIFA to include it on its official album, showcasing the immense reach of his platform.

Speed began streaming full-time during the 2020 lockdowns and has since evolved from a typical bedroom gamer into a global cultural icon. His mission now is to inspire his nearly 55 million subscribers through travelogues, high-adrenaline experiences, and non-stop live streams across multiple US states.

His rise coincides with the decline of traditional linear television, as streaming services struggle to retain viewers amid rising costs. Speed stands out as a pioneer, blending personal passion with global reach, making him almost synonymous with soccer’s global storytelling apparatus for generations Z and Alpha.

For this year's World Cup, he will stream from various host cities, aiming to draw even more viewers through his unique brand of raw, unfiltered content. However, the question remains: can a single human truly replace the comprehensive coverage provided by established networks?