Canadian music superstar Drake has suffered another costly setback after losing a $1.5 million bet on Argentina to defeat Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reigniting online conversations about the so called “Drake curse.”
The Grammy Award winning rapper had publicly backed Lionel Messi and Argentina ahead of Sunday’s blockbuster final, staking $1.5 million on the South American champions through an online betting platform. Had Argentina emerged victorious, Drake stood to earn a payout of more than $5.1 million, making it one of the biggest sports wagers of his career.
Instead, Spain produced another outstanding performance to claim a hard fought 1-0 victory after extra time, lifting their second FIFA World Cup title and leaving Drake empty handed.
The decisive moment arrived in the 106th minute when Ferran Torres broke the deadlock with a composed finish after Spain had dominated possession and created the better chances throughout the contest. Argentina, inspired by veteran captain Lionel Messi, fought bravely but failed to register a shot on target as Spain completed a memorable triumph.
Drake had shared a screenshot of his wager with millions of followers on social media before kickoff, expressing confidence that Argentina would retain the trophy. The post quickly went viral after the final whistle, with football fans flooding social media with jokes and memes referencing the long running “Drake curse.”
The phrase has become one of the most talked about superstitions in modern sport. Fans often claim that teams, athletes or clubs publicly supported by Drake end up suffering unexpected defeats. While there is no evidence to support the theory, the rapper’s history of high profile losing bets has kept the conversation alive.
This latest defeat adds to a growing list of unsuccessful predictions involving major sporting events. Over the past few years, Drake has placed substantial wagers on football, boxing, mixed martial arts and basketball, with several ending in disappointment.
Ironically, the Canadian entertainer had enjoyed success earlier in the tournament after correctly backing his home nation, Canada, to beat South Africa in the Round of 32. However, his luck failed to continue when he placed his faith in Argentina for the World Cup final.
For Spain, the victory represented far more than another international trophy. It completed an extraordinary era under head coach Luis de la Fuente, whose side had already captured the UEFA European Championship before adding football’s biggest prize.
Spain’s youthful squad combined technical brilliance with tactical discipline throughout the tournament, eliminating Portugal, Belgium, France and finally Argentina on their route to lifting the World Cup.
Argentina, meanwhile, were unable to defend the title they won four years earlier. Although Lionel Messi guided his country to another World Cup final, the Albiceleste were denied by a disciplined Spanish defence that controlled much of the match and eventually found the breakthrough in extra time.
Following the result, social media platforms were flooded with reactions from football supporters, many humorously blaming Drake for Argentina’s defeat. The rapper himself has previously laughed off the superstition, insisting that he simply enjoys supporting his favourite teams and placing occasional high profile wagers.
Despite the financial loss, the $1.5 million stake is unlikely to have a significant impact on Drake, whose estimated fortune runs into hundreds of millions of dollars through music sales, global tours, business ventures and endorsement deals.
Nevertheless, the latest defeat has once again placed the spotlight on one of sport’s most enduring internet myths, with fans wondering whether the “Drake curse” has struck once again after Spain’s historic World Cup victory.
