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Canadian rapper Drake has once again captured attention in the sports betting world after wagering $770,000 on Canada to defeat South Africa in their Round of 32 clash at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The high-profile bet was shared on social media ahead of the knockout-stage encounter, instantly generating discussion among football fans and bettors worldwide.
According to reports, Drake stands to earn a substantial payout if Canada secures victory over South Africa. The rapper has become well known for placing large wagers on major sporting events through the years, including football, basketball, mixed martial arts, and boxing. His betting activity often attracts significant attention because of the so-called “Drake Curse,” a popular internet theory suggesting that teams or athletes backed by him frequently suffer unexpected defeats.
The timing of the wager has added extra intrigue to the World Cup fixture. South Africa entered the knockout stage full of confidence after a memorable group-stage campaign, including a notable victory over South Korea. Canada, meanwhile, qualified for the Round of 32 as one of the host nations and will be looking to capitalize on home support as they seek a place in the next round.
Fans on social media reacted with a mixture of excitement and amusement, with many South African supporters joking that Drake’s endorsement could actually improve Bafana Bafana’s chances if the “curse” narrative continues. Regardless of the outcome, the wager has added another layer of attention to what was already expected to be a closely contested World Cup knockout match between two sides hoping to extend their historic tournament runs.
