Overview

• UEFA announced the change on August 28, moving the final’s start from 21:00 to 18:00.
• The new time will first apply to the May 30, 2026 final in Budapest, which continues the Saturday tradition set since 2010.
• President Aleksander Čeferin framed the shift as making the occasion more accessible and inclusive for supporters.
• UEFA says the earlier start should make attendance easier for families and children and help reach a wider global TV audience.
• Group- and knockout-stage matches played midweek will predominantly remain at 21:00, and reports note the group-stage draw is scheduled for this evening at 18:00.