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

Cameroon and Ivory Coast may have fallen short of their ambitions at AFCON 2025, but their quarterfinal eliminations did not come without a substantial financial reward. Both football powerhouses walked away with millions in prize money despite failing to reach the last four of the tournament.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco, delivered intense competition, dramatic moments and record-breaking financial stakes. As fans across the continent followed the battle for continental supremacy, several traditional heavyweights saw their campaigns end earlier than expected. Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Mali were all knocked out at the quarterfinal stage, bringing disappointment on the pitch but relief off it.

Even with their exits, the four nations benefited from the Confederation of African Football’s revised prize money framework, which was designed to reward performance and support long-term football development across Africa.

Africa Cup of Nations 2025: The Financial Stakes

In the build-up to the tournament, CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed a major increase in prize money for AFCON 2025. The move aimed to enhance the competition’s commercial value while providing stronger financial backing to national teams and federations.

The overall prize pool rose to an impressive $32 million, underlining CAF’s growing investment in African football. For top-performing teams, the rewards were significantly improved. While the eventual champions were set to earn $10 million, teams reaching the knockout rounds were also guaranteed meaningful payouts.

This structure ensured that even nations eliminated before the final stages could return home with funds to support administrative costs, grassroots programmes and domestic football projects.

Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Quarterfinal Exit

Cameroon and Ivory Coast entered the tournament as strong title contenders but were eliminated in the quarterfinals, alongside Algeria and Mali. Although the early exit came as a setback for supporters, the financial outcome softened the blow.

Each of the four quarterfinalists received $1.3 million for their participation and progress in the competition. This figure represents an increase compared to previous AFCON editions, where teams eliminated at the same stage earned slightly lower amounts.

The quarterfinal payout is designed to help national federations offset tournament expenses and reinvest in areas such as youth development, coaching and local infrastructure.

At the top end of the prize structure, the AFCON 2025 winners will claim $10 million, with the runners-up receiving $4 million. The two teams eliminated in the semifinals will each take home $2.5 million, making the tournament one of the most financially rewarding in African football history.