WAFCON Prize Money Soars, Reflecting growing Global Interest in Women’s Football
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has substantially boosted the prize money for its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, with the winner now receiving US$1 million, a considerable increase from previous years. This marks a notable step in closing the financial gap with other major women’s football competitions, though it still trails behind the US$47.8 million awarded at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025.
The overall prize pool for WAFCON has reached US$3.75 million. Runners-up will take home US$500,000, third place US$350,000, adn fourth place US$300,000, with other participating teams also receiving payouts. This enhanced financial support extends to CAF’s Women’s Champions League, where the winner is awarded US$600,000.
Despite disappointing attendance figures at some WAFCON venues, attributed to the use of smaller stadiums while larger ones are renovated for the 2026 Men’s Football World Cup, media coverage has been extensive. CAF reported that over 120 territories broadcast the opening match between Morocco and Zambia. Major broadcasters such as beIN Sport, CANAL+, SuperSport, and SportTV are covering the event, with matches accessible in countries including the United states, Brazil, Canada, Australia, France, Belgium, Germany, Qatar, the Netherlands, and Singapore.
The article suggests that the progress of WAFCON,which has expanded from eight to 12 teams since its inception,warrants an increase in the number of participating teams to 16.This expansion would necessitate further increases in prize money to maintain equitable distribution. The author concludes that WAFCON is a competition on an upward trajectory, evidenced by the doubled prize money for the winner and the expanded global television coverage.
