AFCON 2025 will begin on 21 December with a prize pool that marks a historic financial shift for African football.
The tournament returns with major sporting expectations and unprecedented economic stakes, reinforcing its place among the most influential continental competitions.
The competition, broadcast exclusively on beIN SPORTS, brings together the strongest national teams in Africa.
Since Patrice Motsepe became CAF president, the organisation has pushed the Africa Cup of Nations into a new financial era.
The numbers attached to the 2025 edition illustrate that transformation clearly.
CAF confirmed that the AFCON 2025 champion will earn 7 million USD, the highest reward ever offered in the tournament’s history.
A nation that progresses through every stage can collect up to 11.6 million USD, combining bonuses accumulated from the group phase to the final.
CAF’s distribution structure stands as follows:
Champion: 7 million USD
Runner-up: 4 million USD
Semifinalists: 2.5 million USD each
Quarterfinalists: 1.3 million USD each
Round of 16: 800,000 USD
Best third-placed teams: 700,000 USD
Fourth place in each group: 500,000 USD
In total, CAF will award 32 million USD during the tournament. These funds represent major support for both established national teams and emerging federations, many of which rely heavily on AFCON revenues for development.
When compared to other international competitions, AFCON sits in the mid-range financially. It offers considerably more than the Gold Cup, the Asian Cup, or the Oceania Nations Cup. For instance, the Gold Cup winner receives only 1 million USD.
The figures remain below the financial giants of the sport. Copa América 2024 awarded 16 million USD to its champion, while the UEFA European Championship remains the wealthiest continental tournament, with a gigantic purse of 331 million euros and a maximum of 28.25 million euros available to the winning team. The Arab Cup, supported by FIFA, also edged ahead with a prize pool of 31 million euros.
Despite this, AFCON continues to stand as the most financially significant competition on the African continent.
Its economic impact will shape federations, strengthen long-term football projects, and fuel development initiatives across Africa.
As Morocco prepares to host the tournament, AFCON 2025 will unfold both on the pitch and within a competitive financial landscape.
The chase for continental glory now comes with rewards capable of transforming any national football structure.
Fans will follow every match, every upset, and every celebration from 21 December, with the tournament ready to deliver elite football and record-breaking stakes.
