UEFA Champions League final to kick off 3 hours earlier this season

The decision is mainly to aid a better fan experience for the final games.

The UEFA Champions League final kickoff time will change from 21:00 CET to 18:00 CET, beginning with the 2026 final in Budapest. This is according to a significant change to the competition’s fixture schedule revealed by UEFA today.

By streamlining logistics and procedures, the decision aims to improve the overall matchday experience for spectators, teams, and host cities while providing a number of observable advantages.

In addition to establishing a friendly environment that makes it simple for families and kids to attend the biggest and most significant club football game of the season, UEFA want matchday to be a really pleasurable event for everyone who wants to share in the excitement.

Travelling fans will benefit from easier access to public transportation, particularly after the game, and a more convenient and safe way to get home from the stadium. By allowing fans to continue celebrating, it will increase the event’s beneficial economic impact on the host cities.

With an emphasis on attracting younger viewers, the revised kick-off time also coincides with a more accessible broadcast window, enabling the final to reach an even larger global television and digital audience.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin on UCL final time changes

“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,” the UEFA president said.

“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.”

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