CAF doubles WAFCON prize money as Banyana chase $2m title in Morocco

CAF has doubled the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) prize money, with champions now set to earn $2m (£1.55m), in a move designed to turbocharge the growth of women’s football across the continent.

The announcement was made in Morocco on Wednesday by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe, who confirmed a 100% increase in the tournament’s top prize ahead of the competition’s kick-off on Sunday, 26 July 2026.

The new financial structure heaps fresh pressure on South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, who are targeting a return to the summit of African football and qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup after finishing fourth at the last WAFCON.

All 16 teams guaranteed payout

Motsepe revealed that for the first time every team at the expanded 16-nation finals will receive guaranteed funding for simply taking part.

“We have increased the prize money of the WAFCON,” Motsepe confirmed at a press conference on Wednesday.

A CAF statement issued at the briefing detailed that each participating country will be paid a minimum of $150,000 (around R2.47m), regardless of their results.

That baseline fee is intended to cushion the cost of travel, logistics and tournament preparation, while providing federations with funds to reinvest in their domestic women’s game.

CAF says the revamped structure is crafted to ensure that even sides that fail to progress beyond the group phase will leave Morocco with meaningful resources to support player development, coaching and facilities.

Commercial push and rising standards

Motsepe framed the overhaul as part of a broader effort to professionalise and commercialise women’s football in Africa.

He said the standard of women’s football on the continent was rapidly improving and approaching world-class levels, and pointed to surging fan interest, broadcast audiences and sponsorship as evidence that the women’s game is becoming a major commercial asset.

Motsepe also stressed that the enhanced prize pool and participation fees are intended to drive up remuneration for key stakeholders.

He noted that the funding aims to boost the salaries of players, coaches and backroom staff, and to underpin the structural growth of women’s football ecosystems in CAF member associations.

Banyana facing rising expectations

The financial uplift adds an extra layer of expectation for South Africa, who go into the tournament under scrutiny after a disappointing fourth-place finish in the previous edition.

With the champions now set to pocket about R33m, Banyana Banyana are under pressure to mount a serious title challenge and secure a route back to the global stage at the 2027 World Cup.

South Africa have been drawn in Group B, where coach Desiree Ellis’ squad will face Tanzania, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso in what appears a testing but negotiable pool.

Following strong interest from sponsors and broadcasters and growing home support, Banyana enter Morocco amid record commercial attention surrounding the team and the competition.

South Africa’s campaign schedule

South Africa’s bid to reclaim the continental crown will begin on Monday, 27 July 2026, when they open their campaign against Tanzania.

With prize money doubled, guaranteed funding for all 16 contenders and mounting global visibility, this year’s WAFCON is being framed by CAF as a watershed moment for the women’s game in Africa – and a pivotal test of South Africa’s ability to re-establish themselves among the elite.