Rapper Drake bets $770,000 on Canada to defeat S’Africa at World Cup
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Canadian rapper Drake has placed a large bet of approximately $770,000 on Canada to defeat South Africa in a 2026 FIFA World Cup knockout match.
- The bet, made through the betting platform Stake, could yield a $1 million payout if Canada wins.
- The wager has generated significant online discussion, with many referencing the 'Drake curse,' a perceived jinx where teams he supports often lose.
Canadian superstar rapper Drake has once again captured attention with a substantial sports wager, betting around $770,000 (approximately N1.07 billion) on his home country, Canada, to defeat South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match. The high-stakes bet was publicized on Sunday by Stake, a betting platform with which Drake has a known partnership.
The wager, placed via Stake, carries a potential payout of $1 million should Canada eliminate South Africa from the tournament. Drake humorously captioned the announcement on social media, referencing banter with South African DJ Black Coffee: "#realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM. I had to raise my stakes."
Drake's bet has ignited widespread reactions online, particularly among football fans in Africa and Nigeria. Many view the wager as a bold display of confidence in Canada, despite the widely discussed "Drake curse", a superstitious belief that teams or athletes he publicly supports tend to experience misfortune.
Social media users have actively commented on the development. Some expressed concern about the "Drake curse" potentially affecting Canada's chances, while others saw it as a confident move. The bet adds an extra layer of drama to what is already a crucial knockout stage fixture for both nations. Drake, known for his high-profile bets across various sports, frequently publicizes such wagers, often through platforms like Stake, showcasing a history of both significant wins and notable losses.
#realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM. I had to raise my stakes.
Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.