Canadian rapper Drake has won more than $1 million after backing Canada to defeat South Africa in their FIFA World Cup Round of 32 encounter.
The Toronto-born music star reportedly staked $770,000 on the co-host nation to secure victory, with the wager carrying a total payout of $1,001,000. Following Canada’s dramatic 1-0 win, Drake walked away with an estimated profit of about $231,000.
The rapper shared details of the bet on Instagram before kick-off, revealing that friendly banter with renowned South African DJ Black Coffee influenced his decision.
“@realblackcoffee was chirping in the DM I had to raise the STAKES,” Drake wrote while posting a screenshot of the wager.
Canada booked their place in the Round of 16 after edging South Africa in a tense contest at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Midfielder Stephen Eustáquio emerged as the hero for the hosts, scoring a stunning volley deep into second-half stoppage time to seal a famous victory.
The result marked a significant milestone for Canada, who progressed to the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in their history.
For South Africa, the defeat brought an end to what had already become their most successful World Cup campaign.
Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time after finishing second in Group A, ahead of several fancied opponents, during the expanded 2026 tournament.
The Hugo Broos-led side impressed throughout the group phase and secured qualification to the knockout rounds with a crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Their performances earned widespread praise, particularly after navigating a challenging group that included co-hosts Mexico and Czechia.
Despite the disappointment of elimination, South Africa’s run has been widely regarded as a landmark achievement for the national team and a major boost for football development in the country.
Drake has become synonymous with high-profile sports betting in recent years, regularly placing six and seven-figure wagers on major sporting events including NBA Finals, UFC title fights, boxing contests and international football tournaments.
His latest bet adds another chapter to his growing reputation as one of the most prominent celebrity bettors in world sport.
Canada will now shift attention to the Round of 16 as they continue their bid for a historic World Cup campaign on home soil.
