Key Takeaways:
- UEFA announced an earlier kick-off for the 2026 Champions League final, set for 18:00 CET on 30 May 2026 in Budapest
- The change is designed to enhance the experience for fans, teams, and host cities, focusing on family attendance and improved logistics
- UEFA aims to establish this as the new standard, extending the match’s broadcast reach and accessibility to younger audiences
Matchday Experience Transformed for 2026 Final
UEFA has officially revealed a historic adjustment regarding the 2026 Champions League final, scheduled to take place in Budapest on Saturday, 30 May 2026. The showpiece fixture will now kick off at 18:00 Central European Time (CET), moving from the traditional 21:00 start. This change is intended to become the new benchmark for the tournament’s climactic contest.
Enhancing Accessibility for Supporters and Host Cities
The governing body explained that the earlier start is aimed at enhancing the matchday environment for all stakeholders, notably supporters, participating clubs, and the host city. Families and younger fans, in particular, are set to benefit from the more convenient kick-off, as attending the most significant club football event of the season becomes more feasible. The revised timing facilitates improved access to public transport—especially after the match—offering a safer and more manageable journey home for travelling fans. Host cities also stand to gain, with the early finish enabling sustained celebrations and greater economic activity, as outlined by UEFA.
The UEFA Champions League final will kick off at 18:00CET as of the 2025/26 season.
The decision is designed to enhance the matchday experience and benefit fans, teams and host cities.
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) August 28, 2025
Global Reach and Broadcast Impact
The earlier kick-off corresponds with a favourable broadcasting slot, designed to maximise global television and digital viewership. UEFA is targeting a broader and younger audience through this shift, aiming to cement the final as the world’s foremost club football spectacle. UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated, “With this change, we are putting the fan experience at the heart of our planning. The Champions League final is the pinnacle of the football season, and the new kickoff time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all participants. While a 21:00 CET kickoff is suitable for midweek matches, the earlier start time for the final on a Saturday means an earlier finish—regardless of extra time or penalties—and gives fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family, discussing the match of the season.”
Historical Context
UEFA also highlighted that, since 2010, the Champions League final has consistently been played on a Saturday—a decision credited with increasing fan involvement and driving global interest in European club football. This latest adjustment continues UEFA’s efforts to evolve the competition’s accessibility and appeal.
| Final Date | Venue | New Kick-Off Time (CET) | Previous Kick-Off Time (CET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 May 2026 (Saturday) | Budapest | 18:00 | 21:00 |
