The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially kicks off this Sunday, December 20th, with host nation Morocco welcoming the continent's best teams for a month of high-stakes football. The tournament, which runs for four weeks, is already generating intense excitement, not just for the sporting spectacle but for the record-breaking $7 million prize money earmarked for the eventual champion.
Record Financial Incentives for All Teams
Under a revised prize structure announced ahead of the competition, the financial rewards have been significantly increased. The team that lifts the trophy will earn a massive $7 million. The runners-up will not leave empty-handed, receiving $4 million. This financial framework is designed to reward performance at every level.
The losing semi-finalists are guaranteed $2.5 million each, while teams exiting at the quarter-final stage get $1.3 million. Even teams eliminated in the round of 16 will collect $800,000. To ensure competitiveness throughout the group stage, sides finishing third in their groups without progressing will earn $700,000, and fourth-placed teams receive $500,000.
This distribution highlights the economic opportunity the tournament represents for the 24 participating nations, with many football federations relying on this income to support development programs back home.
Hosts Morocco Open Campaign Amid Fitness Concerns
The opening match will see the host nation, Morocco, take on Comoros in the capital, Rabat. The Atlas Lions are under immense pressure to leverage their home advantage and win a first continental title since 1976. However, their preparations have been clouded by concerns over the fitness of key players, most notably captain and star defender Achraf Hakimi, whose condition is being closely monitored by the Moroccan medical team.
Beyond the hosts, the tournament boasts a galaxy of African football stars, including Egypt's Mohamed Salah, Senegal's Sadio Mane, Nigeria's prolific striker Victor Osimhen, and Cameroon's Bryan Mbeumo. Their performances will be crucial for their respective nations' ambitions.
A Legacy Defined by Shocking Upsets
The Africa Cup of Nations has built a formidable reputation for unpredictability, where reputation often counts for little against determined underdogs. History is filled with stunning results that have reshaped the tournament's narrative.
Recent editions provide ample evidence:
- In 2024, Equatorial Guinea delivered a shocking 4–0 defeat to eventual champions Ivory Coast in the group stage.
- Comoros famously beat four-time champions Ghana 3–2 in 2022, sending the Black Stars to an early exit.
- In 2019, Benin eliminated fancied Morocco on penalties after a 1–1 draw.
- Zambia's fairytale win in 2012 saw them hold Ivory Coast to a 0–0 draw in the final before triumphing on penalties.
These moments serve as a warning to the favourites and a source of inspiration for every team in Morocco. Belgian coach Hugo Broos, now with South Africa and the only manager at the tournament to have previously won AFCON, understands this balance between pedigree and performance better than most.
As the action unfolds, teams must navigate a congested football calendar while managing player fitness and the weight of national expectation. The increased prize money adds a powerful new motivation, but as AFCON history consistently proves, financial reward alone does not guarantee success. The next four weeks in Morocco promise to deliver another unforgettable chapter of drama, passion, and surprise in African football's most-watched competition.
