Will Canada fall victim to the Drake Curse at the World Cup?
Canada's new training kit, designed in collaboration with Drake's brand, has reignited discussions about the rapper's infamous sports 'curse'.
The Canada men's national team is heading into the World Cup with a bold new look that has caught the eye of global superstar Drake. The team has swapped their standard training gear for new black, red, and yellow tracksuits featuring flame designs on the sleeves. The apparel was produced by NOCTA, a collaboration between the rapper’s brand and Nike.
This partnership has inevitably revived talk of the so-called "Drake Curse." In the sports world, a popular theory suggests that Drake’s public association with an athlete or team often precedes a streak of bad luck. Supporters of this narrative frequently point to Conor McGregor's defeat against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Serena Williams' loss at the 2015 US Open, and the University of Kentucky's NCAA championship game loss as evidence.
Canada head coach Jesse Marsch has brushed off the superstition. He emphasized that the team wants to project an authentic, confident image as they prepare for the tournament. Defender Alistair Johnston also dismissed the concerns, noting that the priority is to expand the team's global reach and engage more fans.
The bond between the team and the artist is not new. Star player Alphonso Davies has previously shared his admiration for the rapper, and several players have met him personally. During the 2022 World Cup, the team even played Drake's music during their training sessions.
For Canada, this World Cup serves as a massive opportunity to establish themselves as a serious footballing nation. The team remains focused on the pitch, believing that securing their first-ever World Cup win and advancing from the group stage would be the ultimate way to silence any "curse" narratives and inspire the country.