UEFA today announced an important update to the match schedule of its flagship competition: starting with the 2026 final in Budapest, the kick-off time of the UEFA Champions League final will move forward from 21:00CET to 18:00CET.
The decision is designed to enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits. Our goal is to make matchday a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season.
For travelling supporters, it will mean improved access to public transport – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium. For the host cities, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations.
The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even broader television and digital audience worldwide, with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers.
This latest adjustment builds on a successful precedent. The UEFA Champions League final has been played on Saturday since 2010. This calendar solution has consistently proven successful for the big event that drops the curtain on the European club season – enhancing fan engagement and contributing to the global growth of European club competitions.
