Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday, July 22, CAF President Patrice Motsepe unveiled a significant increase in prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Starting with the 2026 edition, which will be held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16 in Rabat and Casablanca, the tournament winner will receive $2 million, representing a 100% increase from the previous edition. The runners-up will earn $750,000, while the third-place team will receive $500,000 and the other losing semifinalist $400,000.
Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, who finished runners-up in each of the last two editions, will have the opportunity to claim both their first continental title and the tournament’s record prize if they lift the trophy on August 16 at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
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Another major feature of the 2026 tournament is its role as a qualifier for the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. The four semifinalists will secure direct qualification for the tournament, which will take place in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, while the two remaining quarterfinalists will compete in the intercontinental playoffs for the remaining places.
CAF had already doubled the winner’s prize money to $1 million ahead of the 2025 edition. The latest increase marks another significant step forward for women’s football in Africa. The 2026 tournament will also expand from 12 to 16 teams, reflecting the competition’s continued growth and rising profile.
