UEFA issue major update on Champions League final only hours ahead of the draw.
The Champions League final, traditionally played at 9pm CET (8pm UK time), will now kick off three hours earlier at 6pm CET (5pm UK time). This represents a significant shift from UEFA, whose matches—from the group stage through to the final—almost always start at 8pm, with only fixtures in eastern Europe, such as Russia, beginning earlier. It is the biggest adjustment to the competition since the final was moved from Wednesday to Saturday in 2010.
UEFA explained that the earlier start is aimed at improving the matchday experience for fans, teams, and host cities by streamlining logistics and making it easier for families and children to attend. They highlighted that the change would benefit travelling supporters, who are often in an unfamiliar city or country, while also boosting the economic impact for host locations.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin said the decision puts fans “at the heart of our planning,” making the final more inclusive and accessible.
This year’s final will take place at the Puskás Arena in Budapest, which opened in 2019 and has a capacity of 67,155. It will be the first time Hungary hosts the Champions League final, though the stadium has already staged major events, including the 2022 Europa League final where Sevilla beat Roma on penalties. The venue is named after Hungarian legend Ferenc Puskás, a three-time European Cup winner with Real Madrid and the only player to score hat-tricks in two finals.
