CAF announces prize money and groups for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the prize money allocation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be staged in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

The newly outlined financial rewards represent a significant boost for participating teams. The eventual champions will claim $7 million, while the runners-up will be awarded $4 million. Semi-finalists will each secure $2.5 million, underscoring the tournament’s growing financial stature.

CAF has also structured payments for teams eliminated in earlier rounds. Sides reaching the quarter-finals will receive $1.3 million, while those bowing out in the round of 16 will earn $800,000. Teams finishing third in their groups are set to collect $700,000, and those ending in fourth place will still walk away with $500,000.

This announcement highlights CAF’s determination to enhance the competitiveness and prestige of the continent’s most celebrated football event, offering financial recognition to nations across all stages of the competition.

Alongside the prize money revelation, CAF unveiled the official draw for the 35th edition of the tournament. The groups present a series of enticing fixtures, with several heavyweight clashes lined up from the outset.

In Group A, hosts Morocco will face Mali, Zambia and Comoros, a mix of seasoned competitors and rising challengers. Group B brings together seven-time champions Egypt, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe in what promises to be a closely contested pool.

Nigeria headline Group C, where they will meet Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania, setting up a blend of established and emerging footballing nations. Defending champions Senegal have been placed in Group D alongside DR Congo, Benin and Botswana, creating another highly competitive section.

Group E pairs Algeria with Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan, offering a combination of North African strength and Central African resilience. Meanwhile, Group F will see Ivory Coast battle Cameroon, Gabon and Mozambique, in what is expected to be one of the toughest and most unpredictable groups of the tournament.

The draw and prize structure have sparked widespread anticipation, with the event already shaping up as one of the most exciting in recent memory. The expanded financial rewards aim to motivate teams not only to progress deep into the tournament but also to deliver competitive performances at every stage.

For Morocco, hosting the tournament represents both a sporting and cultural opportunity, with the nation preparing to showcase its facilities and hospitality to the footballing world. For the teams, however, the focus will firmly be on lifting Africa’s most coveted prize, with the prospect of record prize money adding extra incentive.

As the countdown to kick-off begins, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations promises high drama, fierce rivalries and the chance for a new chapter to be written in the history of African football.

🎉 L’attente est terminée !
🗓 Les dates officielles sont connues ! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 aura lieu dans 100 jours. Soyez témoins de l’histoire
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— CAF – FR (@caf_online_FR) September 12, 2025