UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has released a statement explaining why this year’s Champions League final will kick off at a different time compared to previous seasons. Set to take place at the iconic Puskas Arena in Budapest on May 30, Paris Saint-Germain will look to retain their title against Arsenal.
Luis Enrique’s side edged past Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate in a thrilling semi-final that showcased the competition at its very best, while Arsenal battled past Atletico Madrid 2-1 in a far more tactical affair. From the outside looking in, Les Parisiens may appear to have the stronger side, but Arsenal pose a completely different set of challenges.
Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have revived the art of defensive discipline and set-piece dominance. Arsenal may never have lifted the famous big-eared trophy - last reaching the final in 2006 - but football has a habit of throwing up surprises, and this year’s unusual kick-off is ample evidence of that.
Why 2025/26 Champions League Final Is Given Unusual Kickoff Time
Champions League ball
In previous years, the match had kicked off at 8pm (BST), but the clash will get underway three hours earlier, at 5pm, this time around. The reason for the change is related to enhancing the matchday experience for fans, making the game more accessible for younger audiences and international viewers. Explaining the reasons for the change, the UEFA president said:
“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."
He added: "While a 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT) kick-off is well suited to 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.”
Arsenal Now Four Matches From Immortality
Mikel Arteta
If the north Londoners win their next four matches, they will win a Premier League and Champions League double. That's quite the turnaround from just a couple of weeks ago, when the fallout from their FA Cup and League Cup exits put into sharp focus their ability to crumble under pressure at the worst possible moments.
Should Arteta go all the way and achieve such a feat, then the recent years of near-misses and heartbreak will surely all be worth it. Rumour has it that the club are already putting together a new contract for him this summer, and patience has certainly been a virtue during the entire process. That said, it isn't over until it's over.