In case you’re wondering, how much does Asian Cup winner get in terms of prize money? In the most recent AFC Asian Cup (2023 edition, played in Qatar), the winning national team receives USD 5 million. That amount is part of a larger prize money pool that includes other rewards for runners-up, semi-finalists, and all participants.
Below, MatsuGoal will dive into the full breakdown, compare with past tournaments, discuss what this cash means for teams and players, and touch on what to expect in future editions.
Prize money details for AFC Asian Cup 2023

Here’s the full scheme released for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup:
- Winner (champion): USD 5 million
- Runner-up: USD 3 million
- Losing semiUSD 1 million each**
- All 24 participating teams (just for qualifying / group stage participation etc.): USD 200,000 each
So in short, the champion walks away with USD 5 million in prize money.
Why that amount matters & how it compares

To understand the value, consider:
- The total prize pool for AFC Asian Cup 2023 was USD 14.8 million.
- That means the champion’s share is roughly one third of the total prize money.
- Compared with the previous edition (2019), it appears the prize amounts have been maintained; winner still USD 5 million. Sports Histori)
So in the context of Asian national team competitions, the AFC Asian Cup’s prize money for the winner is among the more substantial non‐club payouts in the region.
What the money means to teams & players
Money like this has real impact:
- National associations can use it to fund infrastructure, youth development, training facilities, or bonuses for coaching staff.
- Players usually get a share, which can be a significant incentive beyond national pride.
- Smaller nations benefit from participation rewards (USD 200,000), which helps cover expenses and fosters growth.
But note: prize money is only one source of financial gain. Broadcast rights, sponsorships, and merchandising often dwarf what teams get.
What about future editions & changes?

While the 2023 edition figures are set, several factors could affect future prize money:
- AFC revenue growth (, sponsorship) may allow for higher payouts.
- Inflation and increased costs could force upward adjustments.
- Expansion or format changes (more teams, more matches) may redistribute funding.
- Some federations may promise player bonuses/incentives beyond what the AFC gives.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of the 2027 or next edition prize money rising above the 2023 levels—but it’s something to watch, especially as Asian football grows in commercial value.
How does that compare globally?
Just to put things in perspective, compared with other continental tournaments:
- The winner’s USD 5 million is less than what winners in some bigger confederations get (e.g. CONMEBOL Copa América, UEFA European Championship) but for Asia, it’s relatively high.
- For many Asian national teams, USD 5 million is a large windfall, especially for nations with smaller football budgets.
So, the AFC Asian Cup winner’s prize is meaningful, both in sporting prestige and financial reward.
Common misunderstandings
- Sometimes people confuse “Asia Cup” (in cricket) with the “AFC Asian Cup” (in football). They are entirely different tournaments with different organizers, budgets, and prize money.
- Reports often differ depending on exchange rates, taxes, and how much of the prize money is kept by the federation vs distributed to players.
Conclusion
How much does Asian Cup winner get? For the latest AFC Asian Cup (2023), the champion takes USD 5 million, with the runner-up getting USD 3 million, semi-finalists USD 1 million each, and all teams earning USD 200,000 just for being part of the tournament.
This reward isn’t just about cash—it’s about honour, national pride, and pushing the development of football in Asia. As commercial value increases, there’s reason to believe future winners may receive even more.
If you’re interested, MatsuGoal can also keep you updated on upcoming edition prize announcements, comparisons with other cups, or how federations distribute winnings to players. Want me to track the 2027 AFC Asian Cup prize money and forecast?