Canadian rapper Drake has once again found himself at the centre of sporting conversation after reportedly placing a USD 1.5 million wager on Argentina to defeat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
The high-profile bet has reignited discussion around the long-running “Drake curse”, a superstition that claims teams and athletes publicly backed by the music star often suffer disappointing results.
According to publication Marca, Drake has backed Argentina to win the final in regulation time, rather than the broader “to lift the trophy” market that includes extra time and penalties. If Lionel Messi’s side secures victory within the standard 90 minutes, the rapper is set to receive a total payout of USD 5.175 million.
The wager has generated widespread attention on social media, with Argentina supporters expressing mixed reactions. While many fans welcomed Drake’s support for the reigning champions, others remained concerned because of the reputation attached to the so-called “Drake curse”.
In an Instagram post, Drake officially shared the information and wrote, “What’s that saying??? Better luck next time…say less”
Reacting to the wager, one Argentina supporter commented, “Drake just cost messi his 2nd wc,” along with crying emojis.
Another fan wrote, “I will be back when Messi breaks your curse bro…”
A different social media user added, “Thank god Argentina might actually lose because of this”
The superstition has resurfaced repeatedly over the years, with several athletes, fighters and teams suffering defeats after receiving Drake’s public support. Reports cited by Marca also state that, across nearly 80 high-profile wagers, the rapper has lost roughly 50 bets, reinforcing his reputation for high-risk gambling.
However, Argentina supporters can point to one notable exception. Drake also backed Argentina during the 2022 FIFA World Cup final in Qatar, but his wager was on the team winning in regulation time. The match ended level after 90 minutes before Argentina defeated France on penalties to lift the trophy, meaning his bet was unsuccessful despite backing the eventual champions.
The Argentina-Spain clash has also attracted attention beyond the match itself. According to Marca, the final is expected to become the most-watched sporting event in history, while average ticket prices are nearing USD 19,000, making it the most expensive sporting event ever for spectators. Betting markets are also anticipating record-breaking activity ahead of Sunday’s final.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain will be played on Sunday, July 19, 2026, at the New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium). The match kicks off at 3:00 PM local time (ET), while Indian viewers can watch it from 12:30 AM IST (Monday, July 20) through live streaming on Zee5, TV broadcast on Unite8 Sports networks and free on DD Sports.
