American streamer IShowSpeed had a fanboy moment after unexpectedly meeting all seven members of BTS during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Finals at New York New Jersey Stadium.
The 21-year-old internet personality, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., crossed paths with the K-pop superstars while they were walking through a hallway inside the venue. Both were part of the entertainment lineup for the Spain vs. Argentina championship match, with BTS performing during the halftime show while IShowSpeed took the stage for the closing ceremony.
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Sharing the unforgettable encounter on Instagram, IShowSpeed uploaded a reel captioned: "I Met BTS!"
In the video, the streamer was visibly caught off guard as soon as he spotted the group.
"Oh my god, oh my god!" he repeatedly exclaimed while jumping in excitement.
Unable to contain his enthusiasm, IShowSpeed rushed toward the members and greeted them one by one with a hug, turning their first meeting into a heartwarming and hilarious moment.
READ: BTS to bring ‘Arirang’ world tour to Philippine Sports Stadium in March 2027
The BTS members likewise warmly welcomed the energetic streamer. J-Hope could be seen laughing as IShowSpeed excitedly bounced around the group, while RM surprised fans by calling the streamer by his real name, "Darren."
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Still overwhelmed by the encounter, IShowSpeed even celebrated by performing a backflip, drawing laughter from everyone before the group posed together for a commemorative photo.
"Big fan bro. Big fan. Oh my god!" he said before saying goodbye to the members.
After the video was uploaded, several BTS members joined the comment section to share their own excitement over meeting the streamer.
"We were just as amazed to meet you🙌,” wrote V.
"🔥🔥❤️❤️,” RM commnted.
"🙌🙌🙌🙌,” J-Hope added.
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The reel quickly went viral, amassing more than 101 million views, 9.9 million likes, and 1.3 million shares on Instagram within just five hours of posting.
Even before their backstage meeting, IShowSpeed had already shown his admiration for the group by enthusiastically dancing along while BTS performed their global hit "Dynamite" during the World Cup halftime show.
Popular Streamer IShowSpeed dancing and singing along to BTS’ performance of ‘Dynamite,’ from the FIFA World Cup Halftime Show. pic.twitter.com/CcQZfcgQzv
— Pop Flop (@ThePopFlop) July 19, 2026
BTS, composed of RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook, headlined the halftime show alongside Madonna and Justin Bieber. The spectacle ran for 27 minutes and 22 seconds, making it the longest halftime show in FIFA World Cup history.
Meanwhile, IShowSpeed joined Post Malone and Swae Lee as performers for the tournament's closing ceremony.
The FIFA World Cup final also drew a star-studded audience, with celebrities including Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, and Anya Taylor-Joy spotted in attendance.
Spain ultimately lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina, 1-0.
READ: V reveals having only 2 hours of sleep as he asks fans to stop following BTS to hotels
Meanwhile, BTS is currently headlining their Arirang world tour. The group will bring the tour to the Philippines for three shows on March 13, 14, and 16, 2027.