CAF Doubles WAFCON Winners’ Prize To $2m in Record Boost For Women’s Football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a record increase in prize money for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the champions set to receive $2 million—double the amount won by Nigeria’s Super Falcons at the previous tournament.

CAF confirmed on Wednesday that the overall prize fund for the continental showpiece has risen by 67 per cent, from $3.475 million to $5.8 million, in what it described as another major investment in the growth of women’s football in Africa.

The runners-up will take home $750,000, representing a 50 per cent increase, while the third-placed team will receive a 43 per cent higher reward than at the 2024 edition.

In addition, each of the 16 participating nations will receive $150,000 in participation fees, up from $125,000, ensuring greater financial support for all teams competing at the tournament.

CAF said the latest increase continues the governing body’s drive to improve the financial rewards available in women’s football across the continent.

According to the federation, prize money for the tournament winners has increased by an astonishing 900 per cent, from $200,000 under previous structures to the current $2 million, while the total prize fund has grown by 495 per cent, rising from $975,000.

The governing body also highlighted the expansion of the competition from 12 to 16 teams as part of its efforts to broaden participation and raise the standard of the women’s game across Africa.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be staged in Morocco from 26 July to 16 August, with the continent’s top teams set to compete for the biggest prize purse in the tournament’s history.

The enhanced financial package is expected to provide a further boost to the development of women’s football in Africa, while increasing the prestige and competitiveness of the biennial championship.