The UEFA Champions League closing shall be performed at 6 p.m. native time (12 p.m. ET) slightly than the standard 9 p.m. kickoff, citing fan expertise because the motivation for the change.
UEFA introduced the choice on Thursday with the 2026 closing at Budapest’s Puskas Area in thoughts, although it’s unclear if this time change shall be in impact for future editions of the Champions League closing. The match will now happen throughout sunlight hours to make journey out of the stadium extra handy for followers in attendance, although it would additionally make the match extra accessible for these watching the printed in different elements of the world.
“The choice is designed to reinforce the general matchday expertise for followers, groups and host cities by optimising logistics and operations, whereas delivering a number of tangible advantages. Our purpose is to make matchday a very pleasant expertise for everybody who desires to be a part of the thrill, whereas making a welcoming ambiance that makes it simple for households and youngsters to attend the largest and most essential membership soccer match of the season,” UEFA stated in an announcement on Thursday.
“For travelling supporters, it would imply improved entry to public transport – particularly after the match – and a safer, extra handy journey again from the stadium. For the host cities, it would enhance the optimistic financial affect of the occasion by giving followers the likelihood to proceed their celebrations. The brand new kick-off time additionally aligns with a extra accessible broadcasting window, serving to the ultimate attain an excellent broader tv and digital viewers worldwide, with a specific deal with participating youthful viewers.”
A Champions League that kicks off at 9 p.m. would finish at 11 p.m. on the earliest, although followers of the profitable workforce are more likely to be within the stadium longer for the trophy presentation. Ought to the match go to additional time and penalties, the ultimate whistle would blow nearer to midnight, possible making journey tougher for followers in attendance.
UEFA mentioned the time change with Soccer Supporters Europe, the confederation’s official liaison on points impacting followers.
This season’s Champions League closing will happen on Might 30, with the competitors correct set to start on September 16 of this yr with the league part.
The draw for the league part came about on Thursday, and you’ll find the outcomes right here.
