American internet personality and streamer, Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has ignited widespread discussion across the football world following the release of his self-styled World Cup anthem titled “World Cup (Champions).”
Freedomonline reports that the music video, released on YouTube on June 1, amassed more than 3.3 million views and hundreds of thousands of likes within 24 hours, quickly gaining traction among football fans worldwide.
The energetic track features chants inspired by several football nations and places particular emphasis on Ghana, where IShowSpeed holds honorary citizenship. The video showcases Ghanaian flags, traditional dancers, and cultural displays that have drawn praise from many viewers.
Following the song’s viral success, IShowSpeed publicly appealed to FIFA on social media to adopt the track as the official anthem of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a response that quickly generated online buzz, FIFA’s verified social media account replied: “We will be in touch.”
The exchange sparked intense debate online, with fans comparing the streamer’s independently produced anthem to the tournament’s official soundtrack, “Goals,” performed by Lisa, Anitta, and Rema ahead of the tournament, scheduled to begin on June 11 in United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Many supporters praised the song’s authenticity and cultural representation. One social media user described the video as a vibrant celebration of Ghanaian culture, arguing that its energy felt more genuine than the official soundtrack.
Others pointed to the video’s rapid rise in popularity as evidence of its appeal among football fans and called on FIFA to consider adopting it as the tournament anthem.
However, not everyone shared that view. Critics argued that comparisons between the viral track and the official FIFA soundtrack were unfair, noting that the latter was created by internationally acclaimed artists and producers.
Some commentators also questioned the implications of FIFA’s response, suggesting that replacing or sidelining the official song at such a late stage could undermine the efforts of the artists behind it.
As debate continues across social media platforms, FIFA has yet to issue any formal statement indicating a change to its official soundtrack or opening ceremony plans.
The organisation has also not confirmed whether discussions with IShowSpeed regarding the song are underway.
For now, “World Cup (Champions)” remains an unofficial anthem, but its viral success has ensured it remains at the centre of conversations ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
