UEFA announce major change to the Champions League final - starting with this season's showpiece in Budapest

UEFA has unveiled a sweeping change to the Champions League final's kick-off time, beginning with the 2026 final at Budapest's Puskas Arena.

The match will now start at 6pm local time instead of the traditional 9pm slot. The governing body says the move is aimed squarely at enhancing the experience for fans around the world and host cities.

Since 2010, the showpiece has consistently been held on a Saturday night, but the late finish has become increasingly problematic.

The women’s Champions League final, which was also moved to start earlier, proved popular with fans - and that has now been replicated in the men’s competition.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained: 'With this change, we are placing the fans' experience at the heart of our planning.

'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.'

The shift is being rolled out immediately, with the 2026 final confirmed for May 30 and set to kick off at 18:00 CET (5pm BST) at the Puskas Arena.

One of the biggest issues with the traditional 9pm start has been the late finish, particularly when matches extend into extra time or penalties.

Fans often found themselves navigating crowded public transport or getting back to their hotels in the early hours, dampening the post-match celebrations.

The decision will also cater to a growing football audience in Asia. In India, for example, the Champions League final has traditionally kicked off at 12:30am local time, but will now start at 9:30pm.