Champions League final LIVE: Date, time, location and coverage info as broadcaster makes controversial change

The stage is set for the 2025/26 Champions League final, as Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the showpiece contest in Budapest.

Fresh from lifting the Premier League title, the Gunners are now targeting an historic double, as they bid to be crowned European champions for the first time ever.

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The Gunners reached their first final of this competition since 2006 by beating Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate.

It leaves them on the brink of history, but they’re going to have to overcome another tough opponent to lift the iconic trophy.

Last year’s final saw Paris Saint-Germain secure the ultimate prize with a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in Munich.

And PSG are in the final again, after beating Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate following an exhilarating two-legged tie.

Now, with both teams were crowned champions of their respective leagues, only one will come out on top as kings of Europe.

Champions League Final: Date and kick-off time

The 2026 Champions League final will be held this Saturday, May 30.

It will be played at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, with Arsenal fans receiving a 16,824 allocation of its 70,000 capacity.

In a major change to the traditional kick-off time, UEFA has confirmed the match will start three hours earlier than usual at 5pm.

The Champions League final has typically kicked off at 8pm, but officials have switched the times to ‘enhance the overall matchday experience’ and make the event more accessible to younger fans and international audiences.

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Champions League final: How to follow

talkSPORT will have live coverage of the showpiece game, with Adrian Durham presenting the action in Budapest.

Commentary will be coming from Jim Proudfoot and former England captain Stuart Pearce. 

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

talkSPORT.com will be running a dedicated live blog of the final too.

The game will also be broadcast live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, but for the first time in 34 years it won’t be free to air in the UK.

Ever since they acquired the rights in 2015, TNT Sports has allowed all fans to watch the action free of charge each year, while before that, the games were broadcast free-to-air on ITV. 

Instead, this year, fans will have to sign up to HBO Max for £4.99 or TNT Sports for £31.99 per month to tune in. 

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The decision to change this tradition is reported to have angered UEFA, with all three European finals requiring payment to watch, while UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on TNT Sports to reverse their decision.

Champions League final: Team news

Arsenal have been handed a fresh injury concern in the days ahead of this week’s final, with Noni Madueke now a doubt after being forced off against Crystal Palace during Sunday’s Premier League finale. 

The winger went down clutching his hamstring, and will now be assessed to see if he is fit to face PSG.

So too will Jurrien Timber, who is hoping to return in Budapest, having not played since picking up an ankle injury in March.

One confirmed absentee is Ben White, with the full-back out for the rest of the season following a knee injury sustained against West Ham.

In a boost to the Gunners, Mikel Merino looks set to play a part in the final, as he made his return from foot surgery against Palace.

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Meanwhile PSG have been handed a boost heading into the final, with star man Ousmane Dembele appearing to have shaken off a calf issue that saw him forced off early in his side’s final Ligue 1 game.

The French giants’ main concern is influential right-back Achraf Hakimi, who is yet to return to training after suffering a hamstring injury in the first-leg thriller against Bayern.

Missing out on the final for PSG are second-choice goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier and youngster Quentin Ndjantou.

Routes to the Champions League Final

Arsenal

• Round of 16 – Beat Bayer Leverkusen 3-1 on aggregate
• Quarter-finals – Beat Sporting CP 1-0 on aggregate
• Semi-finals – Beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 on aggregate

Paris Saint-Germain

• Round of 16 – Beat Chelsea 8-2 on aggregate
• Quarter-finals – Beat Liverpool 4-0 on aggregate
• Semi-finals – Beat Bayern Munich 6-5 on aggregate

Champions League final: What has been said?

After getting his hands on the Premier League trophy in the season finale at Selhurst Park, Arsenal boss Arteta has called on his side to take their momentum into the Champions League final.

The Gunners were crowned English champions for the first time since 2004, while it was only the Spaniard’s second trophy with the club.

Looking ahead to the final, Arteta said: “We need that energy to flow and going against that, I think it will be a big mistake.

“We talked about already what we have to do in Budapest, how we’re going to use all the incredible energy that we’re all carrying towards that final, and tomorrow we’re going to start to prepare it.

“And we can’t wait to write a new chapter in the history of our club and lift the Champions League.”