The Confederation of African Football has announced a significant increase in prize money for the runners-up of the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup, just days before the competition’s final gets under way.
In an official statement, CAF confirmed that the team finishing second in the tournament will now receive $2m, doubling the previous amount allocated to the runners-up.
“The winner of the 2025-2026 Confederation Cup will receive $4 million, a 100% increase compared to last season, while the runner-up will receive $2 million,” the statement read.
The decision represents a major financial boost for clubs competing in Africa’s secondary continental tournament and reflects CAF’s wider efforts to increase the commercial value and competitiveness of its competitions.
Before the announcement, the Confederation Cup runners-up were due to receive $1m. CAF has now raised that figure to $2m, while the winners’ reward has also increased substantially to $4m.
The timing of the announcement adds extra significance to this season’s final, which will see Zamalek SC face USM Alger in a two-legged showdown for continental silverware.
The first leg is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 5 July 1962 Stadium, with kick-off set for 22:00 Cairo time. The return leg will then be played on 16 May at Cairo International Stadium.
The financial increase is likely to intensify interest in the competition, particularly for clubs seeking greater economic stability and investment opportunities through continental success. Prize money from CAF tournaments has become increasingly important for African clubs, many of which rely heavily on tournament revenue to strengthen squads, improve infrastructure and support long-term planning.
CAF’s latest move also highlights the organisation’s ongoing push to raise the profile of African club football. In recent years, the governing body has introduced several reforms aimed at improving the marketability and prestige of its competitions, including adjustments to broadcasting arrangements and tournament structures.
For the finalists, the announcement provides additional incentive ahead of what is expected to be a fiercely contested encounter. Zamalek will be aiming to add another continental trophy to their history, while USM Alger are seeking to establish themselves once again among Africa’s leading clubs.
The increased prize fund also sends a broader message about CAF’s ambitions for the future of African football. By raising financial rewards, the organisation hopes to create stronger competition across the continent and provide clubs with greater resources to compete at a higher level.
As the final approaches, attention will now focus not only on the battle for the trophy but also on the growing financial stakes attached to success on the African stage.
