Why is the Champions League final on at 5pm this year?

While the final typically starts at 8pm UK time, this year there has been a schedule change.

Here is why the timings are different and when the final is on.

When is the Champions League final?

The Champions League final: Paris Saint-Germain 🆚 Arsenal

🎨 @elfalso92 | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/JFLbViR2BK

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2026

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The Champions League final takes place tonight, Saturday, May 30, in Budapest, Hungary, with kick-off at 5pm.

Arsenal are looking to win the competition for the first time in their history, having reached the final only once before, in 2006.

They faced Barcelona in Paris and even took the lead before going on to lose 2-1.

They have also reached the semi-finals twice before, once in 2009 and again last year, where they lost to PSG.

PSG are looking to win the competition for a second year in a row, having won it for the first time in 2025, beating Inter Milan 5-0.

Why is the Champions League final on at 5pm this year?

Both the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League finals kicked off at 8pm UK time this year, which saw two English teams, Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, both win.

The Champions League final has always been played at 8pm UK time too, since it moved to Saturday in 2010.

The Champions League final takes place at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary (Image: Adam Davy/PA Wire)

UEFA have confirmed that the kick-off time has been changed to “enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities”.

It follows complaints from supporters in previous years around logistical issues, for example, in 2023, when Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team did not receive the trophy after beating Inter Milan until 00:15 because of a 10pm kick-off.

As a result, thousands of fans struggled to return from Ataturk Stadium to Istanbul.

A statement from UEFA said: “Our goal is to make matchday a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season.

“For travelling supporters, it will mean improved access to public transport – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium.

“For the host cities, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations.

“The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even broader television and digital audience worldwide, with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers.”

Fans have been soaking in the atmopshere in Budapest ahead of the final (Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin adds: “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.

“While a 21:00 CET 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.”

Is the Champions League final free in the UK? How to watch

For the first time in its 34-year history, UK fans will not be able to watch the Champions League final without paying extra for it.

Anyone wanting to watch the action will need to be subscribed to HBO Max.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who supports Arsenal, wrote to TNT Sports to ask them to make the coverage free for UK viewers.

However, TNT Sports said the option of a £4.99 month-long subscription to HBO Max to watch the games was “exceptional value”.

A TNT Sports spokesman said: “It has been a privilege to bring UEFA club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season.

“Having three Premier League clubs reach the finals shows the strength of English football and something that we are proud to continue to support.

“We have made all three UEFA finals this year available from just £4.99, the price for a month-long subscription to HBO Max that also includes the great entertainment on the service.

“This represents exceptional value for fans to watch the conclusion of the competitions.”

Will you be watching the Champions League final tonight? Let us know in the comments.