The Final Gets A New Start: UEFA Changes UCL Kick-Off Time

At last, relief from the late-night travel ordeal after the match. UEFA announced before the Champions League draw today that the 2026 final in Budapest will kick-off three hours earlier than usual, moving forward from 21:00CET to 18:00CET.

The decision has been taken to improve the matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities.

While the 9pm kick-off (8pm UK time) has benefitted broadcasters, the earlier kick-off is a huge boost for those actually participating in, and attending, the match. Clearly the Champions League brand has reached the stage that it can better negotiate kick-off times with its broadcast partners, while the earlier TV time will create a more accessible broadcasting window “with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers”, according to UEFA.

For fans, so often the last concern and taken for granted in the big match planning equation, challenging, unfamiliar and often dangerous journeys late at night back to their accommodation should become a thing of the past.

Ronan Evain, executive director for Football Supporters Europe said: “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. It’s a practical improvement that puts fans first and continues to build on the progress already made to enhance the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and service levels at UEFA finals.”

UEFA says that faor teams and host cities the earlier kick-off time also allows an ‘optimisation’ of matchday logistics and operations. For host cities it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations after the final whistle. For teams it means better times to travel, unhampered by a late-night finish.

“With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning. The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved, said UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin.

“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.”

Insideworldfootball.com