Argentina faces a formidable challenge in Sunday's World Cup final, with opponents including Spain's national soccer team and the so-called "Drake curse." The Canadian rapper has placed a $1.5 million bet on Lionel Messi and the Argentine team, potentially yielding a $5.1 million payout.
This substantial wager has sparked online commentary, with fans expressing concern that Drake's involvement could be an ill omen for Argentina. One user on X, formerly Twitter, remarked, "Argentina's toughest opponent isn't Spain, it's Drake's $1.5M Stake bet." Another expressed worry, stating, "Just when I went big on [Argentina]. Might have to cash out."
The perception of a "Drake curse" stems from several recent high-profile bets. Earlier this month, Drake reportedly lost $1 million on Conor McGregor's UFC comeback fight, which ended with McGregor sustaining an injury and a TKO loss.
According to TheDrakeCurse.com, a website tracking his wagers, Drake has accumulated losses of $1.56 million across 87 public bets. Historically, cricket has been his most successful sport, while hockey has seen significant losses. He reportedly lost a combined $1.5 million on the outcome of the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals and the 2025 playoffs.
Drake has a partnership with Stake, an online casino that utilizes cryptocurrency. This association has led some critics to question the authenticity of his wagers, with accusations that he may be faking losses as part of a lucrative endorsement deal. "I don't think he uses real money, he's an ambassador for stake," one fan commented online. "Those must be fake tickets."
Drake, content creator Adin Ross, and Stake are currently involved in a federal class-action lawsuit alleging racketeering (RICO) and deceptive endorsement practices. Court filings obtained by The Daily Mail state that Drake and Ross are allegedly paid by Stake to promote the platform, engaging in live-streamed gambling with funds purportedly provided by the casino. The defendants have sought to dismiss the case, while Stake and Ross deny wrongdoing. Drake has not formally responded to the allegations.
The World Cup final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.