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Fans think Argentina is 'cursed' after Drake drops huge World Cup bet


The rapper has a history of jinxing teams


Drake reacts after attending the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks© Mark Brown
JULY 18, 2026 6:55 PM EDT

Drake is once again making headlines for his gambling habits — and this time, soccer fans are worried about what it could mean for Argentina.

The Canadian superstar revealed that he has placed a staggering $1.5 million wager on Lionel Messi and Argentina to defeat Spain in Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. If the bet hits, Drake stands to collect more than $5 million.

Drake© @champagnepapi
Drake on the golf course

But instead of celebrating the rapper's confidence in the defending champions, many fans immediately began joking that Argentina may now be doomed thanks to the infamous "Drake curse."

Fans Fear Drake's Betting History Could Spell Trouble

Over the years, Drake has developed an unlikely reputation for backing athletes and teams that end up losing, turning his public wagers into an internet phenomenon.

"Argentina's toughest opponent isn't Spain — it's Drake's $1.5 million Stake bet," one fan joked on X.

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and teammates applaud fans after the 3-1 victory © Getty Images
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina and teammates applaud fans after the 3-1 victory

Another supporter wrote, "Just when I decided to go big on Argentina. I might need to cash out now."

The reaction isn't entirely surprising. Drake's recent betting history has given sports fans plenty of reasons to be skeptical whenever he publicly backs a favorite.

The Rapper's Rough Gambling Streak Continues

Earlier this month, Drake reportedly put $1 million on Conor McGregor to win his UFC comeback fight, only to watch the Irish fighter suffer an injury in the opening round before losing by TKO, per Daily Mail.

According to TheDrakeCurse.com, a website that tracks his publicly shared bets, Drake is reportedly down more than $1.5 million across 87 wagers. While cricket has apparently been one of his more successful betting ventures, hockey has proven especially costly.

Drake reacts after attending the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks© Mark Brown
Drake reacts after attending the game between the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks

He notably lost a combined $1.5 million backing the Edmonton Oilers during the 2024 Stanley Cup Final and the Toronto Maple Leafs during their 2025 playoff run.

Questions Continue Surrounding Drake's Stake Partnership

Despite his public losses, some fans remain unconvinced that Drake is actually risking his own money.

The rapper has a lucrative partnership with Stake, the cryptocurrency-based online casino and betting platform, prompting speculation that many of the eye-popping betting slips shared online are part of promotional efforts.

"I don't think he uses real money — he's a Stake ambassador," one social media user wrote. "Those tickets have to be fake."

Drake's relationship with Stake has also drawn legal scrutiny.

Stake Faces Ongoing Legal Battle

Drake, streamer Adin Ross, and Stake are currently named in a federal class-action lawsuit alleging racketeering and deceptive endorsement practices.

Court filings claim that Drake and Ross promoted the platform while allegedly gambling with funds supplied by Stake rather than their own money.

The lawsuit alleges the pair participated in livestreamed betting sessions using money provided by the company while presenting it as personal wagers.

Stake and Ross have denied wrongdoing and have sought to dismiss the case. Drake has not publicly addressed the allegations, and the legal proceedings remain active.

For now, all eyes are on Sunday's final — and whether Argentina can overcome both Spain and the internet's favorite superstition: the Drake curse.