CAF Increases WAFCON 2026 Prize Money to $2 Million as Ghana Coach Carlos Queiroz Joins Post-World Cup Review
Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has announced a landmark $2 million prize for the winners of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), doubling the previous reward. This financial boost coincides with a period of intense strategic review for African football, as the continental body prepares to host a technical evaluation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup performance. Among the key figures expected to contribute to this review is Ghana's national team coach, Carlos Queiroz, whose leadership during the global tournament has garnered significant praise, including from President John Mahama. The increase in WAFCON prize money represents the third major increment in three years, reflecting CAF's commitment to elevating the status of women’s football across the continent. The 2026 tournament, scheduled to run from July 26 to August 16, will also feature an expanded format, growing from 12 to 16 participating teams. For Ghana’s Black Queens, the stakes are high as they have been drawn into Group D alongside Cape Verde, Cameroon, and Mali. Beyond the continental trophy and the record-breaking prize pool, the tournament will serve as the official qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Parallel to the preparations for the women’s game, CAF is focusing on the lessons learned from the recent men’s World Cup. Despite a record-breaking showing by African nations, none succeeded in breaking the semi-final barrier. Ghana’s campaign, led by Carlos Queiroz, saw the Black Stars progress to the Round of 32 before being eliminated by Colombia. Meanwhile, Morocco achieved the deepest run for the continent, reaching the quarter-finals. Dr. Motsepe’s planned review meeting aims to gather insights from coaching experts like Queiroz to bridge the gap between African teams and the world's elite footballing nations. As the continent looks toward the future, the stability of Ghana’s technical team remains a priority. Following the World Cup success, Coach Carlos Queiroz is widely expected to continue in his role with the backing of both the players and President John Mahama’s administration. This synergy between political support and technical expertise, combined with CAF’s increased financial investment in competitions like WAFCON, signals a transformative era for African football. The focus now shifts to ensuring that these investments and reviews translate into consistent podium finishes on the global stage.