UEFA shifts final kickoff to 18:00 CET for 2026 Budapest

UEFA announced on Thursday that the Champions League final will kick off three hours earlier beginning with the 2026 showpiece in Budapest, moving from the customary 21:00 Central European Time to 18:00 CET on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at the Puskás Aréna. The governing body said the change is aimed at improving the matchday experience for supporters, easing logistics for host cities and clubs, and reaching a wider television and digital audience.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin framed the adjustment as a supporter-focused decision. He said the new kickoff will make the final "even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful," noting that an earlier Saturday start allows fans to finish earlier even if the match goes to extra time or penalties and to spend the rest of the evening with family and friends. UEFA said the shift will improve access to public transport after the game, enhance safety for travelling supporters, and boost the economic benefits for host cities by enabling celebrations to continue into the evening.

Supporters groups welcomed the move. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, said the earlier kickoff "makes day trips more feasible, reduces...