American internet sensation and streaming personality Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has sparked global debate following the release of his self-acclaimed tournament anthem, “World Cup (Champions).”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the high-energy music video, which premiered on YouTube on June 1, has amassed over 3.3 million views and hundreds of thousands of likes in less than 24 hours.
The track heavily features crowd chants representing various footballing nations, with a distinct spotlight on Ghana, a country where he holds honorary citizenship, alongside appearances of large flags and traditional dancers.
Following the viral success of the video, Watkins tagged the Federation of International Football Associations on digital platforms, requesting that the track be adopted as the tournament’s official anthem.
In a response that drew widespread attention online, FIFA’s verified handle replied, “We will be in touch.”
The development has triggered debates online, with football fans and digital commentators comparing IShowSpeed’s indie anthem with the official FIFA soundtrack, “Goals” by Lisa, Anitta and Rema, ahead of the global tournament kicking off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Reacting to the viral release, an X user, @yetunede, praised the content creator’s cultural representation, posting, “IShowSpeed putting Ghana on his back for this World Cup video is everything.
“The energy, the flags, the dancers—this feels more organic and alive than the actual official song. Ghana to the world!”
Another commentator, @hindisilencio, echoed the sentiment, writing, “FIFA needs to stop overcomplicating things and just make this the official anthem.
“Over 3 million views in less than a day for an independent release show exactly what the streets want to hear when the matches start.”
However, the track’s raw internet style drew criticism from sections of the music community, who defended the artistic merit of the official soundtrack.
Expressing counter-views, @Danyflamez3 tweeted, “People comparing this Speed video to Rema, Lisa and Anitta’s ‘Goals’ must be joking.
“One is a globally produced, multi-million-dollar masterpiece by Cirkut, and the other is just streaming noise. Let’s keep standard music separate from content creation.”
On his part, @lawizzygotswag raised concerns over FIFA’s response, stating: “FIFA saying ‘we will be in touch’ is hilarious but risky.
“You can’t sideline established global artists who spent months crafting a multilingual anthem just to chase clout with a YouTuber’s viral video at the eleventh hour.”
NAN reports that FIFA is yet to release an official statement regarding any formal adjustments to its musical lineup or opening ceremony schedule as of the time of filing this report. (NAN)