Drake placed a KSh 194 million bet on Argentina to beat Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with a big potential payout
The rapper’s latest wager has revived talk of the ‘Drake Curse’ after several high-profile losse
Spain enter the final as slight favourites after an impressive defensive tournament, while Argentina hope their experience and counter-attacking strength can deliver another World Cup title
Canadian rapper Drake has once again made headlines with a high-stakes sports bet, this time putting his faith in Lionel Messi’s Argentina ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain.
The music superstar has wagered KSh 194 million on Argentina to defeat Spain within 90 minutes. If Messi’s side delivers, Drake stands to pocket $5.1 million in winnings.
The bet has sparked debate among football fans, many of whom are familiar with the so-called Drake Curse, a nickname given to the rapper’s poor record when backing athletes and teams in major sporting events.
Ahead of UFC 329, he reportedly staked KSh129 million on former two-division champion Conor McGregor to defeat Max Holloway. However, McGregor’s night ended almost immediately after he suffered a knee injury in the opening moments of the fight, leaving Drake with another losing bet.
During the 2024 Copa América semi-final, Drake backed his home nation, Canada, with a KSh 38 million wager against Argentina. Lionel Scaloni’s men comfortably won 2-0, handing the rapper another defeat.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup final, Drake again backed Argentina, placing KSh129 million on them to beat France in normal time. Although Argentina eventually lifted the trophy after a penalty shootout, the match ended 3-3 after extra time, meaning his regulation-time bet was unsuccessful.
Is the ‘Drake Curse’ real?
The rapper’s public betting record has only fuelled the superstition.
According to TheDrakeCurse.com, Drake has publicly revealed 87 sports bets, winning 32 and losing 55, giving him a success rate of roughly 37%.
That record has left some Argentina supporters wondering whether his latest prediction could bring unwanted luck ahead of the biggest match of the tournament.
Despite Messi’s popularity among fans and bettors, bookmakers have installed Spain as slight favourites to lift the trophy.
Spain have enjoyed an outstanding tournament, conceding just one goal in seven matches while never trailing in a game. Their disciplined defence and possession-based approach have made them one of the competition’s standout teams.
Argentina, however, possess plenty of experience in high-pressure encounters. Much of the squad that won the 2022 World Cup remains intact, with younger talents such as Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz and Valentín Barco adding fresh energy.
Scaloni’s side are also comfortable sitting deep before launching quick counter-attacks through Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Enzo Fernández.
