Popular internet personality iShowSpeed has become an unlikely talking point during the FIFA World Cup 2026 after fans jokingly warned him against supporting England in their quarter-final clash against Norway, claiming the streamer has developed an unfortunate "curse" throughout the tournament.
The American content creator, whose real name is Darren Watkins, has been one of the biggest online attractions during the World Cup, attending several matches while livestreaming his experiences to millions of followers across social media platforms.
His latest appearance came during Argentina's dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, where Speed was spotted cheering for the North African side from the stands. However, Egypt's elimination has only strengthened a bizarre trend that fans have been closely tracking throughout the competition.
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Fans believe iShowSpeed has developed a World Cup 'curse'
Throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026, Speed has publicly shown support for several national teams by wearing their jerseys both inside stadiums and during his livestreams.
Among the teams he has backed are the United States, Austria, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Senegal, Portugal, and most recently Egypt.
Every single one of those nations has since been knocked out of the tournament, leading football fans online to jokingly brand the streamer as a "curse" for whichever side he supports.
The theory gained even more traction after football content creator Ben Black shared a compilation on social media showing Speed supporting the eliminated teams before delivering a humorous message aimed at England supporters.
"If anyone, and I mean anyone, catches this guy in an England shirt, take it off him."
He also doubled down on the joke by insisting England's hopes of winning the World Cup should not be jeopardized.
"Do not let this guy wear an England top."
England prepare for crucial Norway showdown
While the "curse" remains nothing more than a light-hearted internet joke, many England supporters have embraced the viral trend ahead of one of their biggest matches of the tournament.
England will face Norway in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals as they look to continue their journey toward a first World Cup triumph since 1966.
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With social media flooded by memes surrounding Speed's apparent streak, many fans will be hoping the popular streamer chooses to stay neutral when the Three Lions take the field against Erling Haaland and company.