Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced the major financial boost during a press conference, describing it as part of CAF’s continued commitment to accelerating the growth, development and professionalisation of women’s football in Africa.
The new prize money represents a significant increase compared to previous editions and underlines CAF’s ambition to elevate the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations into one of the world’s leading women’s football competitions.
The move is also part of a wider strategy aimed at improving financial rewards for female players, coaches and officials while creating better opportunities across the continent.
The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 will kick off on 26 July 2026 in Rabat, with the grand final scheduled for 16 August 2026, also in the Moroccan capital.
The tournament will be hosted across two cities Rabat and Casablanca as CAF prepares for what promises to be the biggest edition in the competition’s history.
For the first time ever, the tournament will feature 16 national teams, expanding from previous editions and giving more countries the opportunity to compete on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
The teams will be divided into four groups of four, with the continent’s finest sides battling for the prestigious title.
Beyond the financial reward, the 2026 tournament carries even greater significance, with the top four finishing teams earning automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. This adds another layer of competition, as nations will not only fight for continental supremacy but also for a place among the world’s elite.
The expanded format, increased prize money and improved commercial focus reflect CAF’s commitment to creating a stronger foundation for women’s football.
The governing body hopes the investment will inspire more young girls to pursue the sport while helping clubs and national teams build sustainable programmes.
With reigning champions Nigeria, record winners Nigeria, hosts Morocco, Ghana’s Black Queens and other top African nations all aiming for glory, WAFCON 2026 is set to be a landmark tournament.
The introduction of the $2 million prize fund represents more than just financial recognition, it is a statement of intent that African women’s football is entering a new era of growth, visibility and opportunity.
