Canadian rapper Drake has lost a $1.5 million wager after backing Argentina to defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The Grammy-winning artiste placed the bet through Stake and shared the betting slip with his followers before Sunday’s final.
Drake stood to receive approximately $5.175 million if Argentina won. However, Spain defeated the defending champions 1-0 through Ferran Torres’ extra-time goal.
The wager reportedly required Argentina to win within regulation time, meaning the bet had already failed when the match remained goalless after 90 minutes. Fox Sports reported that Drake missed out on a potential payout of more than $5.1 million.
Why fans call it the ‘Drake curse’
The result revived the popular “Drake curse”—an internet joke suggesting that athletes and teams publicly supported by the Canadian star often suffer defeat.
There is no evidence of an actual curse, but Drake’s habit of sharing enormous wagers makes each unsuccessful prediction highly visible and gives fans fresh material for the long-running joke.
The World Cup loss came shortly after he reportedly lost another $1 million by backing former UFC champion Conor McGregor against Max Holloway.
Drake experienced a similar disappointment during the 2022 World Cup final. He backed Argentina to beat France in regulation time, but the wager failed after the match went to penalties—even though Lionel Messi eventually lifted the trophy.
His latest loss therefore reflects the strict conditions attached to sports wagers more than any supposed supernatural influence.
Drake has also recorded successful bets, including a reported win on Canada during the 2026 World Cup. However, his high-profile defeats continue to attract greater attention on social media.
With Spain now crowned world champions and Argentina denied consecutive titles, Drake’s unsuccessful $1.5 million gamble has become another memorable chapter in one of sport’s most persistent internet myths.
