On the eve of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a landmark increase in the winner’s prize money from $7 million (as awarded to Ivory Coast in the 2023 edition) to $10 million.
This decision, revealed by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe following an executive committee meeting in Morocco on December 20, 2025, underscores the organization’s commitment to elevating the tournament’s status and supporting football development across the continent amid rising commercial interest and global viewership.
The tournament, featuring 24 teams, kicks off tomorrow, December 21, 2025, with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in the opening match at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and concludes with the final on January 18, 2026, at the same venue.
Matches will be spread across six cities: Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Marrakesh, Agadir, and Fes. This winter scheduling—marking the first time AFCON overlaps with the Christmas and New Year period—was adjusted to avoid clashing with UEFA club competitions and the expanded FIFA Club World Cup earlier in the year.
Defending champions Ivory Coast enter as one of the favorites alongside powerhouses like Senegal, Egypt (led by Mohamed Salah), Nigeria (with stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman), Algeria, and the host nation Morocco, whose golden generation aims to end a near-50-year title drought.
The increased financial reward is poised to heighten the stakes, motivating intense battles from the group stage through the knockouts while providing vital funds for national federations to invest in infrastructure, youth programs, and administrative growth.
This boost aligns with CAF’s broader efforts under Motsepe’s leadership to professionalize and commercialize African football, positioning AFCON as a premier global event with growing economic impact.