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UEFA has announced that the 2026 Champions League final in Budapest will begin at 6:00 pm local time, moving away from the traditional 9:00 pm slot. The change, confirmed on Thursday, is aimed at improving the matchday experience for supporters. The final will take place on Saturday, May 30, at the Puskas Arena. According to UEFA, the earlier start is designed to make travel and logistics easier for fans. “An earlier kick-off makes day trips more feasible, reduces travel stress, and allows fans to enjoy the occasion without worrying about late-night logistics,” said Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, which worked with UEFA on the proposal, as quoted by AFP. Since 2010, the Champions League final has been staged on Saturdays, unlike the Europa League and Conference League finals that are held midweek. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin explained that the timing shift reflects the difference in scheduling. “While a 21:00 CET 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,” he said. The adjustment is part of UEFA’s efforts to make the showpiece more accessible for fans travelling across Europe. It is expected to benefit both local supporters in Budapest and those arriving from abroad, with fewer concerns over late-night transport and accommodation. Paris Saint-Germain are the reigning champions, having lifted their first European Cup with a 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in last season’s final in Munich.
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The 2026 edition will mark the first Champions League final in Budapest, and the earlier kick-off is set to give the event a different rhythm while maintaining its position as Europe’s biggest club football occasion.
