- Finals have been held on a Saturday since 2010
- Late finishes can pose logistical problems
- Kick-off time brought forward to benefit fans
European football’s governing body is eager to make its flagship event in club competition as accessible to as many supporters as possible – both those attending in person and a global television audience that extends into hundreds of million.
It has been revealed that the 2025-26 game, which is heading to the iconic Puskas Arena in Budapest, will kick-off at 6pm local time (5pm BST). The 2024-25 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter started at 9pm local time (8pm BST).
UEFA is looking to “enhance the overall matchday experience” and remove some of the logistical challenges that have posed problems in the past. The 2022 final between Liverpool and Real Madrid at Stade de France was marred by crowd trouble, while access to public transport can prove difficult after late finishes.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said, with younger viewers also being catered to: “With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning. The Uefa Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved.
“While a 21:00CET kick-off is well suited for midweek matches, an earlier kick-off on a Saturday for the final means an earlier finish – regardless of extra time or penalties – and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, reflecting on the game of the season.”
Champions League finals have taken place on a Saturday since 2010. There will be just under 70,000 spectators at the 2026 final, with leading clubs already dreaming of heading down a path that leads to the Hungarian capital on May 30.
