Champions League Final Kick-off Time This Season Was Advanced By Three Hours

The 2025/2026 Champions League final will be advanced three hours from usual (doc. UEFA).

JAKARTA - UEFA announced a change in the kick-off time for the 2025/2026 Champions League final. This new start-up time was implemented with better reasons for families and children to attend and watch on television, use public transportation after matches, and for supporters to party post-match in the host cities.

The early kick-off time will be used in the Champions League final on May 30, 2026 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.

In recent years, the start of the final began at 21.00 local time. If the match has to be continued to extra rounds or until the penalty shootout, the match will end at midnight.

It was felt that UEFA was not friendly with the family who witnessed the top match of the Champions League with their families.

In addition, the European Football Confederation sees the potential to increase access to television broadcasts around the world.

"This new kick-off time is also in line with broadcast times that are more accessible, helping finals reach wider television and digital audiences around the world. Special focus on the involvement of younger viewers," UEFA said in a statement.

This decision was reached after discussing with the group Football Supporters Europe, which is the official UEFA liaison for supporters' issues.

"Earlier implementation makes traveling a day more likely, reduces travel stress, and allows supporters to enjoy events without worrying about dense logistics at night," said FSE Executive Director Ronan Evain.

Meanwhile, the 2025/2026 Champions League league phase will begin on September 16, 2025, with the draw being drawn on August 28, 2025.