UEFA moves Champions League final to be played during daylight hours to improve fan experience

UEFA Champions League final will be played at 6 pm Local Time (12 pm et) instead of the usual kick -off of 9 pm, which mentions fan experience as the motivation for a change.

UEFA announced the decision on Thursday with the final of 2026 in the Puskasenarena of Budapest in mind, although it is unclear whether this time change will be in force for future editions of the Champions League final. The competition will now take place during daylight hours to make travel from the stadium easier for the presence of fans, although it also makes the competition more accessible to those who watch the broadcast in other parts of the world.

“De beslissing is ontworpen om de algehele matchday -ervaring voor fans, teams en hoststeden te verbeteren door logistiek en operaties te optimaliseren, terwijl verschillende tastbare voordelen worden geleverd. Ons doel is om Matchday een echt plezierige ervaring te maken voor iedereen die deel wil uitmaken van de opwinding, terwijl een gastvrije sfeer wordt gecreëerd die het gemakkelijk maakt voor gezinnen en kinderen om de grootste en belangrijkste clubvoetbalwedstrijd van het seizoen te Visits, “Uefa said in a statement on Thursday.

“For traveling supporters, this means improved access to public transport, especially after the competition and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium. For the host cities it will increase the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the opportunity to continue their parties.

A Champions League that starts at 9 p.m. would end at 11 p.m. at the earliest, although fans of the winning team are likely to be in the stadium for the trophy presentation. If the competition goes to extra time and fines, the last whistle would blow closer to midnight, making traveling probably more difficult for fans present.

UEFA discussed the time change with football supporters Europe, the official cooperation of the confederation on issues that influence fans.

This season’s Champions League final takes place on 30 May, with the right competition that starts on September 16 this year with the competition phase.

The draw for the competition phase took place on Thursday and You can find the results here.