IShowSpeed’s Explosive Encounter with BTS Steals Spotlight at 2026 FIFA World Cup Final
On July 19, 2026, at the FIFA World Cup Final in New Jersey, streamer IShowSpeed met BTS backstage after their halftime performance. Speed got super excited when he saw BTS. He jumped, hugged every member, shouted that he was a big fan, and did a backflip right in front of them. BTS members were surprised and laughed. RM called him by his real name "Darren," and j-hope barked like one of Speed's memes. They took photos together. Speed kept saying "We met BTS!" in shock while going back to his livestream. The video went super viral with millions of views and became one of the most fun moments of the entire World Cup.
By Hamza Khadijah ·
MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey – July 19, 2026** — In a moment that perfectly captured the intersection of internet chaos, global pop stardom, and the world’s biggest sporting event, had a now-legendary run-in with K-pop supergroup BTS backstage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. The encounter, captured live during Speed’s stream and quickly amplified across social media, has become one of the most talked-about highlights of the tournament, rivaling even the on-pitch drama between finalists Spain and Argentina
Speed, who had been livestreaming throughout the entire tournament and attending matches in person, was already in a state of high energy. Known for his over-the-top reactions, football passion (particularly his love for Cristiano Ronaldo), and unfiltered streaming style, the streamer had publicly declared BTS as his favorite K-pop group just days earlier. During the halftime performance, Speed jumped from his seat, danced proficiently to the choreography, pointed excitedly at the stage, and hyped the moment with his signature shouts, drawing smiles and phone recordings from nearby spectators. Clips of his reaction spread rapidly online even before the main event.
The real magic happened post-performance. As BTS members made their way backstage, they crossed paths with the streamer. Speed’s reaction was instantaneous and unforgettable: he erupted in pure excitement, jumping, shouting, and hugging each member while declaring himself a “big fan.” In a pinnacle moment of the encounter, he executed one of his trademark standing backflips right in front of the group, leaving them visibly shocked and amused. Videos show the BTS members reciprocating the energy—RM reportedly addressed him by his real name, Darren Watkins Jr., and j-hope (Hobi) playfully barked, echoing one of Speed’s own meme-worthy signature sounds. The group posed for photos together before parting ways, with Speed repeatedly exclaiming in disbelief, “We met BTS!” as he returned to his streaming spot.