Women's AFCON 2026: CAF significantly increases financial rewards

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken another step in its policy of supporting women's football. At a press conference this Wednesday, July 22nd in Johannesburg, its president, Patrice Motsepe, officially announced a significant increase in prize money to be awarded during the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off on July 26th in Morocco.

The governing body of African football has decided to increase the overall prize money for the competition to $5.8 million, compared to $3.475 million in the previous edition.

This increase represents a rise of 67%, demonstrating the CAF's desire to enhance the attractiveness of the tournament.  

A record reward for the future champion

The team crowned African champion will now pocket two million dollars, double the prize awarded to the previous winner. This increase illustrates CAF's ambition to offer greater financial recognition to the continent's best teams.

The runner-up team will receive $750,000, a 50% increase over the previous edition. The third-place team will also benefit from a significantly increased prize, rising by 43%.

Another important measure: each of the 16 qualified nations will leave with a participation bonus of $150,000, compared to $125,000 previously, thus guaranteeing better financial support for all the teams involved.

A dramatic increase in funding

Since Patrice Motsepe took over as head of CAF, the financial resources allocated to women's football have steadily increased. In just a few years, the prize money awarded to the winner has risen from $200,000 to $2 million, representing a 900% increase.

At the same time, the total amount of rewards distributed increased from $975,000 to $5.8 million, registering a rise of nearly 495%.

This evolution also accompanies the development of the competition, whose final phase now brings together 16 teams, instead of eight.

Women's football is at the heart of CAF's priorities

For Patrice Motsepe, this increase in bonuses is part of a broader strategy aimed at accelerating the growth of women's football in Africa.

CAF intends to continue its investments in several areas, including the training of players and coaches, the development of infrastructure, the organization of youth competitions and the strengthening of the capacities of national federations.

By significantly increasing the financial rewards of the 2026 Women's AFCON, CAF hopes not only to enhance the sporting performances of African national teams, but also to promote the professionalization of women's football and strengthen its influence on the continent.