Drake is Sh193.5 million ($1.5 million) poorer after his latest high-stakes sports bet backfired, with Argentina’s extra-time defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final costing the Canadian rapper another fortune.
The award-winning musician had staked the amount on Lionel Messi’s side winning within regulation time.
Had Argentina secured victory in 90 minutes, he would have walked away with Sh657.9 million ($5.1 million).
Drake revealed the wager on Instagram two days before the final by sharing a screenshot of his betting slip.
The post immediately reignited fears among Argentina supporters over the infamous “Drake Curse”, a superstition suggesting that teams or athletes publicly backed by the rapper often end up losing.
One fan summed up those concerns by writing, “Argentina’s toughest opponent isn’t Spain, it’s Drake’s $1.5 million Stake bet.”
Unfortunately for Drake, the prediction proved accurate in the worst possible way.
Spain held Argentina to a goalless draw in normal time before scoring the winner in extra time, meaning his wager on a regulation-time victory was lost.
The defeat adds to Drake’s long history of unsuccessful sports bets.
Earlier this year, he reportedly lost Sh129 million ($1 million) after backing the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
He also lost Sh38.7 million ($300,000) after predicting Jannik Sinner would defeat Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open, and another Sh129 million ($1 million) after betting on Conor McGregor to win his UFC comeback before the Irish fighter suffered a serious leg injury.
Ironically, Drake also lost money when Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Although he correctly predicted Lionel Messi’s side would beat France, his bet required Argentina to win within normal time.
The final ended level after extra time before Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout, leaving the rapper empty-handed despite correctly picking the eventual champions.
Drake’s betting has also come under scrutiny due to his partnership with betting company Stake, with some social media users questioning whether he wagers his own money.
