The UEFA Champions League will implement a striking change starting this 2025/26 season. It is not a profound modification of the format —which, by the way, has only undergone a small adjustment compared to the previous edition—, but something that will directly impact the most anticipated moment of the tournament.

This adjustment is linked to the time at which the grand final will be played. Until now, the decisive match of the Champions League started at 9:00 p.m. However, starting this season, the final will be played at 6:00 p.m., as announced by UEFA.

Why is UEFA betting on an early start in the Champions League final?

This revolutionary move aims to "improve the overall match day experience for fans, teams and host cities," optimizing logistics and operations on such a special day. This was explained by UEFA itself, which detailed:

"Our goal is to make match day a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming environment that facilitates the attendance of families and children to the most important club football match of the season," emphasized the governing body of European football.

This adjustment will allow safer and more convenient access to public transportation, especially after the match, and a calmer return for attendees. It will also benefit host cities by increasing the economic impact, as fans will be able to extend the celebrations throughout the night.

UEFA seeks to increase global audience with the new Champions League schedule

The measure also seeks to boost television and digital viewership worldwide, as recognized by Aleksander Čeferin himself, president of UEFA:

"With this change, we put the fan experience at the center of our planning. The UEFA Champions League final, which is the great moment of the season, will now be more accessible, inclusive and impactful for everyone involved," he asserted.

In turn, the Slovenian leader elaborated on the importance of this advancement: "An earlier start on Saturday means it will end sooner, regardless of extra time or penalties, and offers fans the opportunity to enjoy the rest of the night with friends and family, reflecting on the match of the season," he pointed out.

  • 📌THE FACT: This adjustment is based on a successful precedent. The UEFA Champions League final has been played on Saturdays since 2010. This scheduling solution has proven to be a consistent success for the major event.

Football Supporters Europe celebrates UEFA's decision

Beyond UEFA's position, another key player spoke out: Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, described the decision as "a very positive step for fans who attend matches, which we fully support."

Evain added: "Over the past few years, Football Supporters Europe has worked closely with UEFA to improve the experience at club finals, and this change reinforces that commitment to the needs of supporters."

In addition, he highlighted that the new schedule facilitates day trips, reduces logistical stress and allows enjoying the event without worrying about nighttime travel: "This is a practical improvement that prioritizes fans and continues to advance in improving the welcoming atmosphere, accessibility and service levels in UEFA finals," he concluded.