iShowSpeed says two spots are left for the YouTube FIFA Creator Cup in Central Park
iShowSpeed says two roster spots are still open for the first YouTube FIFA Creator Cup. The streamer posted the call for players on X on July 7, five days before the match. The game kicks off Sunday, July 12 at 5 p.m. ET at Wollman Rink in Central Park, New York City.
The Creator Cup is the first event of its kind from YouTube and FIFA, soccer's world governing body. It lands in the middle of the 2026 World Cup, one week before the final, as both companies push creators to the center of the tournament's coverage.
The post was short and direct. "we have 2 spots left for the creator cup on Sunday.. who wants to play?" Speed wrote, next to a promotional image of himself in Creator Cup gear kicking a ball against the New York City skyline. The post passed 600,000 views and close to 10,000 likes within hours.
Replies poured in from creators and fans asking for a spot. Gaming YouTuber Typical Gamer answered "put me in coach." Others jokingly tagged Cristiano Ronaldo, and creators from around the world posted videos lobbying for one of the two open places.
The Creator Cup is a seven-a-side exhibition match between two teams of YouTube creators, FIFA legends, and celebrities. YouTube says the rosters reach a combined 270 million subscribers. iShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., is a team captain.
YouTube's announcement lists AboFlah, Allan Stag of CazeTV, Blou, Brittany Wilson, Celine Dept, Coringa, Freda Ayy, JasonTheWeen, Marlon, Mercedes Roa, Receba, Sean Garnier, TBJZL of the Sidemen, Zhong, and Zias among the confirmed players.
Two World Cup winners will coach the teams. Brazil great Cafu, who lifted the trophy in 1994 and 2002, leads one side. Italy defender Marco Materazzi, a 2006 winner, leads the other. Pierluigi Collina, who refereed the 2002 World Cup final, will officiate.
Broadcaster Max Bretos will call the match. Former United States national team players Sam Mewis and Kristie Mewis will report from the sideline along with Zach Misischia and Brian Conforth.
The match streams live and free on FIFA's official YouTube channel, with a simulcast on iShowSpeed's own channel. Dove Men+Care and Lay's are the official livestream partners.
Wollman Rink sits at the south end of Central Park and operates as an ice skating rink in winter. For one afternoon it becomes a soccer pitch with the Manhattan skyline behind it.
The event caps a big year between Speed and FIFA. The streamer struck a deal with FIFA, Fox Sports, and YouTube earlier this year to stream World Cup matches on his channel, making him one of the most visible online faces of the tournament. Trade outlet Tubefilter reported this week that events like the Creator Cup feed a bigger question, whether creators can help YouTube chase future World Cup broadcast rights.
Speed has not said who will fill the final two spots. The answer arrives by Sunday, when the teams walk out at Wollman Rink at 5 p.m. ET.