UEFA Shakes Up Champions League Final with Game-Changing Format Revolution Starting 2026

UEFA has revealed a significant modification to the Champions League final starting this season, announcing a three-hour adjustment to the start time designed to enhance the complete matchday experience.

Previously held during midweek, UEFA abandoned the traditional Wednesday evening schedule for the final in 2010, moving it to Saturday for the first time when José Mourinho's Inter Milan secured the European treble with victory over Bayern Munich.

However, it continued as an evening match, with 8:45 p.m. CET (7:45 p.m. BST, 2:30 p.m. ET, 11:30 a.m. PT) being the established kickoff time. UEFA actually delayed this by an additional 15 minutes to 9 p.m. CET in 2019. This resulted in finals typically concluding around 11 p.m. (CET).

For 2026, with the premier event taking place in Hungary for the first time—at Budapest's 67,215-capacity Puskás Aréna—the start time shifts to 6 p.m. CET (5 p.m. BST, 12 p.m. ET, 9 a.m. PT).

UEFA states the early evening time slot is anticipated to "improve the complete matchday experience for supporters, clubs and host cities by optimizing logistics and operations."

The earlier timing means supporters should have better access to public transportation, especially following the match conclusion, while host cities anticipate seeing an economic boost as they will gain more from celebrating fans.

From a television broadcasting standpoint, UEFA also aims to make the Champions League more available to a broader viewership. The previous 9 p.m. CET start time would translate to even later kickoffs in Europe's eastern regions—including nations like Ukraine, Romania, Greece and Turkey.

Current champions Paris Saint-Germain are viewed as the favorites once again this season, but Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City will be among the primary challengers.