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Here's why UEFA moved the Champions League final time

30.05.2026. / 0 comments / News source: RTCG Portal

Liga sampiona Ilustracija — Photo: Illustration

Instead of the previous time of 9 p.m., the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal at the Puskas Arena in Budapest will start at 6 p.m. UEFA announced this change last summer, explaining that the earlier time would provide more affordable television coverage, better access to public transport and a safer return for fans from the stadium after the match.

The earlier start should also help the host city. Since the final ends earlier, fans will have more time to stay in Budapest after the match, which brings an additional economic impact through hospitality, transportation, tourism and related activities.

This is not the first major change to the Champions League final schedule. UEFA moved the final from Wednesday to Saturday in 2010, and now a new step has been taken, this time with the aim of making the final more convenient for fans, television and the host city.