Conor McGregor has placed a $100,000 wager on Argentina to beat Spain 3-2 in the World Cup final — a bet rooted in a five-year-old viral internet prediction. The Irish fighter put the money down through betting platform 1xBet, with a potential payout of roughly $3.6 million if the scoreline hits within regulation time.
The bet and the viral prediction
The bet is not based on any current form or analysis. Instead, it follows a prediction that circulated online around 2015, which claimed Argentina would defeat Spain 3-2 in a future World Cup final. That post resurfaced in recent weeks, and McGregor appears to have taken it as a tip. The match in question is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, with kickoff at 3 p.m. EDT.
Why the payout is so large
A $100,000 bet on an exact scoreline — 3-2 — carries long odds. The potential $3.6 million return reflects the unlikelihood of that specific result. The bet must also land within regulation time, meaning extra time or penalties would void the wager. That adds another layer of risk: even if Argentina wins 3-2 after extra time, the bet loses.
McGregor's history with big bets
McGregor is no stranger to high-stakes gambling. He has previously placed large wagers on UFC fights and other sporting events, sometimes winning, sometimes losing. This bet, however, is unusual because it relies on an internet meme rather than any statistical or expert analysis. The fighter has not publicly commented on the wager beyond the initial placement.
What happens Sunday
If the match ends 3-2 in regulation, McGregor collects $3.6 million. If not, he loses the $100,000. The game will be played at a neutral venue, though the exact location has not been disclosed. Fans and oddsmakers will be watching closely — not just for the result, but for whether a five-year-old tweet can cash a seven-figure ticket.
