Did IShowSpeed Meet BTS? Here’s What Happened at the FIFA World Cup Final

Published 07/19/2026, 10:56 PM EDT

via Imago

Football's biggest stage delivered far more than just action on the pitch during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. Alongside the historic match and FIFA's first-ever halftime show, the event also produced several celebrity interactions that quickly caught fans' attention online.

Among the familiar faces in attendance was YouTube sensation IShowSpeed, whose passion for football has become almost as entertaining as the sport itself. Having followed the tournament closely with his trademark high-energy reactions, the streamer once again found himself at the center of a viral moment.

However, it wasn't a goal or a post-match celebration that had fans talking. During the FIFA World Cup Final, Speed unexpectedly came face-to-face with global K-pop sensation BTS, leading to one of the most talked-about backstage moments of the tournament.

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Did IShowSpeed meet BTS?

Yes, IShowSpeed met BTS backstage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, and his animated reaction quickly became one of the day's most talked-about moments.

The streamer shared the encounter through an Instagram Reel, which captured the moment he spotted the seven-member K-pop group backstage. Unable to contain his excitement, Speed repeatedly exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! BTS!" before rushing over to greet Jung Kook, V, Jimin, Suga, RM, Jin and J-Hope.

MCA v USMA - 2025 Algerian Super Cup Final American YouTuber IShowSpeed attends the 2025 Algerian Super Cup Final between MC Alger and USM Alger at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers, Algeria, on January 17, 2026. Alger Algeria Copyright: xAPPx originalFilename:app-notitle260117_npjJm

As he met the group, Speed excitedly asked if he could take a picture before embracing the members one by one. Overwhelmed by the moment, he repeatedly hugged the seven-member group before turning toward the camera and exclaiming, "We just met BTS!"

The clip, uploaded on his Instagram handle, perfectly reflected the content creator's energetic personality, with fans praising his genuine excitement while watching one of the internet's biggest entertainers meet one of the world's biggest music groups.

Why was IShowSpeed's meeting with BTS such a memorable World Cup moment?

The backstage interaction took place during the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where BTS headlined FIFA's inaugural World Cup Final halftime show alongside Madonna and Justin Bieber. On the pitch, Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy and bring the month-long tournament to a close.

For Speed, the result also added another chapter to one of the tournament's funniest running jokes. The streamer had passionately supported Portugal before Spain eliminated them in the Round of 16. Following Portugal's exit, he, along with a huge fanbase, jokingly claimed he was "cursed" because every team he backed eventually lost.

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A longtime Cristiano Ronaldo supporter, Speed then began publicly backing Argentina ahead of the final—but not because he wanted Lionel Messi's side to lift the trophy. Instead, he leaned into his self-proclaimed "curse," hoping that supporting the reigning champions would bring them bad luck. Spain ultimately defeated Argentina 1-0, leaving fans convinced that Speed's humorous "curse" had struck once again.

Although the final result for his favorite team didn't go the way he had hoped, Speed still left the stadium with a memory that football alone could n provide. His unforgettable meeting with BTS became one of the standout viral moments from the FIFA World Cup Final, blending the worlds of football, streaming and K-pop into one memorable encounter.

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What was your favorite IShowSpeed moment from the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Let us know in the comments!

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Aarav Poonia

222 articles

Aarav Poonia is an Entertainment Writer at Netflix Junkie, covering films and series across Hollywood, and global cinema. With a Bachelor’s degree in Filmmaking, specializing in Direction and Screenplay Writing, he brings a strong understanding of storytelling and screen craft to his work. His experience includes writing film reviews, industry updates, and editorial features, alongside developing multiple short fiction screenplays.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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