Spain beats Argentina 1-0 in final, Drake loses $1.5M

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final concluded with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a result that also meant a high-profile, multi-million dollar loss for Canadian rapper Drake. Hours before the match, Drake publicly shared a $1.5 million wager placed through the cryptocurrency betting platform Stake, backing Argentina to win within the regulation 90 minutes. The bet would have paid out over $5 million, but it was nullified when the match went to extra time, regardless of the final score.

Spain's victory, secured by a goal from forward Ferran Torres, denied Argentina a consecutive World Cup title. Argentina's challenge was further complicated when midfielder Enzo Fernández received a red card late in extra time. The final pitted the defending World Cup champions against Spain, the reigning European champions, in one of the tournament's most anticipated clashes.

Drake's very public gamble instantly reignited widespread discussion of the informal "Drake Curse," an internet superstition suggesting that athletes and teams he publicly backs often lose. While not supported by evidence, the notion has become a persistent talking point...