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.