AFCON 2025: Cameroon and Ivory Coast Cash In Millions Despite Quarterfinal Exit

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco was a tournament defined by historic stakes and high-octane football.

While the eyes of the continent were on the ultimate prize, four of Africa’s most decorated footballing giants, Cameroon, Mali, Algeria and the Ivory Coast, saw their journeys come to an end in the quarterfinal stage.

Despite the heartbreak of missing out on the final four, all four nations secured a significant financial windfall under the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) revamped prize structure.

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Ahead of the 2025 tournament, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced a substantial increase in prize money to boost the competitiveness and commercial appeal of African football.

The total prize pool swelled to $32 million, a clear indicator of the growing investment in the continental game.

For the heavyweights, the incentives were higher than ever. While the eventual champion stood to pocket a staggering $10 million, the rewards for those reaching the knockout phases were also scaled up significantly to support national federation development.

Cameroon and the Ivory Coast, both favourites to reach the final, were bundled out in the round of eight, alongside Algeria and Mali.

While the exits were disappointing for fans, the financial compensation provided a silver lining. All the teams pocketed $1.3 million.

For their participation and progression to the quarterfinals, both nations earned $1.3 million each. This marks a steady increase in exit rewards compared to previous editions, where quarterfinalists typically earned closer to $1.175 million.

This $1.3 million payment is intended to help federations cover the logistical costs of the tournament and reinvest in youth academies and domestic infrastructure.

The tournament winner will receive the top prize of $10 million, followed by the runner-up at $4 million. The teams that reach the semi-finals but fail to progress to the final will earn $2.5 million each.