UEFA Shifts Champions League Final Kick-Off Time to Reach More Fans
UEFA has officially announced a major change to the UEFA Champions League final starting in the 2025/26 season, aiming to enhance accessibility and overall fan experience. The final, set to take place at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, will now kick off at 18:00 local time (23:00 WIB), a significant shift from the traditional 21:00 local kick-off that often left global viewers watching late into the night.
The change is intended to improve matchday logistics and prevent issues seen in previous finals, such as transportation difficulties and crowd management problems. For instance, the 2022 final between Liverpool and Real Madrid faced serious delays and disorder due to poor crowd control and late scheduling. With this adjustment, UEFA aims to offer a safer and more convenient experience for fans attending the match in person.
Beyond logistics, UEFA is also focused on engaging younger audiences around the world. By holding the final earlier in the evening, the organization believes families and younger viewers will find it easier to watch and enjoy the game. The move also allows fans to finish the night at a reasonable hour, even in cases where the match extends into extra time or penalties.
This new schedule will debut in the final on May 30, 2026, expected to attract around 70,000 spectators to Budapest. The updated format reinforces UEFA’s commitment to modernizing the competition and prioritizing the needs of global audiences. Meanwhile, the road to that final begins with the league phase on September 16, featuring early clashes such as PSV vs Union Saint-Gilloise and Athletic Bilbao vs Arsenal.
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