The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, (AFCON) kicks-off in Morocco today Sunday, with heightened attention on the expanded prize money on offer and a competition history that continues to defy form and reputation.
With $7 million earmarked for the eventual champions, the tournament is set against the backdrop of past shocks that have reshaped expectations at Africa’s premier football event.
Under the revised prize structure announced ahead of the competition, the winners will earn $7 million, while the runners-up will receive $4 million. Losing semi-finalists are guaranteed $2.5 million each, quarter-final exits $1.3 million, and teams eliminated in the round of 16 will collect $800,000. Sides finishing third in their groups without progressing to the knockout phase will earn $700,000, while fourth-placed teams will receive $500,000.
The prize money framework underscores the financial stakes for the 24 participating nations, particularly as many federations view the tournament as both a sporting and economic opportunity. Officials involved in tournament planning say the distribution is intended to reward competitiveness at every stage and sustain interest deep into the group phase.
The competition opens with hosts Morocco facing Comoros in Rabat, as the North African nation seeks to convert home advantage into a first continental title since 1976. However, the build-up to the tournament has been tempered by concerns over the fitness of key players, including captain Achraf Hakimi, whose condition has been closely monitored by the Moroccan camp.
Star players including Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Senegal’s Sadio Mane, Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Cameroon’s Bryan Mbeumo are expected to draw attention.
As Morocco hosts the continent for the next four weeks, the combination of increased monetary stakes and the enduring possibility of shocks is expected to define another chapter in African football’s most watched competition.
