UEFA makes a major change to the Champions League after 15 years

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has revealed that the kickoff time for the 2025/26 Champions League final will be entirely different.

According to UEFA’s announcement, the 2025/26 Champions League final will start earlier than usual, kicking off at 5 PM British time on May 30th at the Puskas Stadium in Budapest, Hungary.

This change allows the match to finish earlier compared to the traditional 8 PM start time, offering practical benefits for fans, teams, and the host city. Since 2010, the Champions League final has always been held on a Saturday with an 8 PM kickoff.

In Vietnam, fans have long been accustomed to the 2 AM Sunday morning kickoff time for the Champions League final over the past 15 years.

UEFA stated that the goal of moving the kickoff earlier is to create a better matchday experience and foster a welcoming atmosphere, especially for families and children. The new start time also makes it easier for fans to travel, reduces pressure on public transportation after the match, and allows celebrations to continue, thereby benefiting the host city’s economy.

UEFA President Alexander Ceferin emphasized: “With this change, the fan experience is prioritized. An earlier Saturday kickoff means the match will end sooner, even if extra time or penalties occur, allowing fans to enjoy the rest of the evening with family and friends and reflect on the season’s most important game. This is a step forward in making the final more accessible, inclusive, and meaningful for everyone.”

The 2025/26 Champions League season will begin on September 16 with the group stage opening matches. The group stage will continue for the next four months, with the round of 16 starting on January 28. The knockout play-offs will commence in February, followed by the two-legged round of 16 matches starting March 10.

The two legs of the quarter-finals will take place on April 7/8 and April 14/15, the semi-finals on April 28/29 and May 5/6. The final in Budapest will be held on May 30 with the new earlier kickoff time of 5 PM British time.

Tonight (August 28), the draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League group stage will take place.

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