Fresh off the New York Knicks’ 53-year title run, Tyler Kolek turned a World Cup night into a viral crossover—linking up with IShowSpeed during France vs. Senegal at East Rutherford. Kolek, in a Senegal kit tied to a Puma shoe deal, backed the underdogs and ev
Tyler Kolek didn’t have to be on an NBA playoff court to feel like part of the biggest nights. He was there when the New York Knicks once again became champions after 53 years, and even though he didn’t play a role in the playoffs, the Knicks guard remains a major part of the squad.
With that title win still fresh, Kolek stepped into a different kind of spotlight—one that had nothing to do with the sideline. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full gear, and on June 16, 2026, he was in attendance for France’s group stage fixture against Senegal at East Rutherford in New Jersey.
Kolek’s presence quickly became more than a spectator moment. He made an appearance on IShowSpeed’s livestream of the France–Senegal match. and the crossover drew laughs as quickly as it drew attention. The exchange turned on something simple: Kolek showed up in a Senegal kit because of his shoe deal with Puma. and Speed couldn’t help but ask whether Kolek was rooting for Senegal as well.
Speed’s reaction made it personal. He’s proud of his African roots, and his recent tour of the continent was part of the energy in the livestream. He didn’t just watch Senegal as an underdog—he cheered for them loudly against the powerhouse France.
As the match swung through its story, the banter kept coming. In the end, Kolek and Speed agreed Senegal would come out on top. Kolek went further and predicted France would be beaten 3-1.
When the final score settled in, Kolek’s prediction matched the numbers—but not the outcome. France took the victory in their opening group stage match with two goals from Kylian Mbappe and another from Bradley Barcola. Senegal pulled one back in injury time, but it arrived too little too late.
Kolek’s World Cup evening also sits inside another kind of sports obsession that Speed is known for. Speed has become famous in the footballing world for his unabashed love for Cristiano Ronaldo. who has yet to suit up in this year’s World Cup because Portugal are only beginning their run. Ronaldo and Portugal are set to kick off tomorrow in the group stage with a match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at 1 PM E.T.
Tyler Kolek New York Knicks IShowSpeed 2026 FIFA World Cup France vs Senegal East Rutherford Kylian Mbappe Bradley Barcola Puma Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal Democratic Republic of Congo