Last Updated on 20/05/2026 by Andy Clark
The 2026 UEFA Champions League Final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain takes place at Puskás Aréna, Budapest on Saturday 30 May 2026, with kick-off at 5pm BST (6pm CEST).
This is Arsenal’s first Champions League Final since 2006, and PSG are back to defend their crown.
Below: everything you need to know — fixture details, betting odds, predictions, both clubs’ route to the Final, and where to watch.
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When Is the 2026 Champions League Final?
The 2026 Champions League Final is on Saturday 30 May 2026. UK kick-off time is 5pm BST.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday 30 May 2026 |
| Kick-Off (UK) | 5pm BST |
| Kick-Off (Local) | 6pm CEST |
| Venue | Puskás Aréna, Budapest |
| Competing Teams | Arsenal vs PSG |
| UK Broadcast | TNT Sports, discovery+ |
The earlier-than-usual kick-off time (5pm BST rather than the traditional 8pm) gives UK fans an afternoon viewing window with the result confirmed by approximately 7pm BST in normal time, or 8-8:30pm BST if the Final goes to extra time and penalties.
What Time Does the Champions League Final Kick Off in the UK?
The Champions League Final 2026 kicks off at 5pm BST in the UK on Saturday 30 May. That’s 6pm local time in Budapest (CEST).
UK broadcaster TNT Sports typically begins coverage from approximately 3:30pm BST with pre-match build-up, team news, and analysis. The match itself starts at 5pm BST sharp.
If the match goes to extra time (30 minutes added) or penalties, expect the final result by approximately 7:30-8pm BST.
Where Is the 2026 Champions League Final Being Played?
The 2026 Champions League Final takes place at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. Opened in 2019, the stadium is named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás and serves as the home of the Hungary national football team.
Puskás Aréna key facts:
- Opened in November 2019
- Located in eastern Budapest, replacing the old Ferenc Puskás Stadium on the same site
- Designed to UEFA Category 4 standard (the highest classification)
- Previously hosted Champions League and Europa League fixtures during COVID-era rescheduling
- Hosted matches at UEFA Euro 2020
This is the first Champions League Final ever held in Hungary — adding Budapest to the list of European capitals to host the showpiece fixture.
How Did Arsenal Reach the Champions League Final 2026?
Arsenal’s route to Budapest has been the most impressive Champions League run by an English club in recent memory. Mikel Arteta’s side topped their league phase before navigating a knockout bracket including Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Atlético Madrid.
Arsenal’s Champions League 2025-26 results:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2025 | Athletic Club (A) | 0-2 win |
| 1 Oct 2025 | Olympiacos (H) | 2-0 win |
| 21 Oct 2025 | Atlético Madrid (H) | 4-0 win |
| 4 Nov 2025 | Slavia Praha (A) | 0-3 win |
| 26 Nov 2025 | Bayern München (H) | 3-1 win |
| 10 Dec 2025 | Club Brugge (A) | 0-3 win |
| 20 Jan 2026 | Inter (A) | 1-3 win |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Kairat Almaty (H) | 3-2 win |
| R16, 1st leg | Leverkusen (A) | 1-1 draw |
| R16, 2nd leg | Leverkusen (H) | 2-0 win (3-1 agg) |
| QF, 1st leg | Sporting CP (A) | 0-1 win |
| QF, 2nd leg | Sporting CP (H) | 0-0 draw (1-0 agg) |
| SF, 1st leg | Atlético Madrid (A) | 1-1 draw |
| SF, 2nd leg | Atlético Madrid (H) | 1-0 win (2-1 agg) |
Arsenal’s league phase form was exceptional — 8 wins from 8 matches with notable away victories at Athletic Club (2-0), Slavia Praha (3-0), Club Brugge (3-0) and Inter (3-1). The knockout campaign was tighter, with single-goal aggregate wins over Sporting CP (1-0) and Atlético Madrid (2-1) demonstrating Arteta’s pragmatic knockout football.
The Atlético Madrid semi-final was particularly significant — Arsenal beat them 4-0 at home in the league phase, but the same opponent pushed them to a 2-1 aggregate in the semi-final. The Sporting CP quarter-final scoring just one goal across 180 minutes showed Arsenal’s defensive resilience under knockout pressure.
How Did PSG Reach the Champions League Final 2026?
PSG’s Champions League run has been spectacular — built around eliminating both Liverpool (the Premier League leaders) and Bayern Munich on their route to Budapest.
PSG’s Champions League 2025-26 results:
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Sep 2025 | Atalanta (H) | 4-0 win |
| 1 Oct 2025 | Barcelona (A) | 1-2 win |
| 21 Oct 2025 | Leverkusen (A) | 2-7 win |
| 4 Nov 2025 | Bayern München (H) | 1-2 loss |
| 26 Nov 2025 | Tottenham (H) | 5-3 win |
| 10 Dec 2025 | Athletic Club (A) | 0-0 draw |
| 20 Jan 2026 | Sporting CP (A) | 2-1 loss |
| 28 Jan 2026 | Newcastle (H) | 1-1 draw |
| KO play-offs, 1st leg | Monaco (A) | 2-3 win |
| KO play-offs, 2nd leg | Monaco (H) | 2-2 draw (5-4 agg) |
| R16, 1st leg | Chelsea (H) | 5-2 win |
| R16, 2nd leg | Chelsea (A) | 0-3 win (8-2 agg) |
| QF, 1st leg | Liverpool (H) | 2-0 win |
| QF, 2nd leg | Liverpool (A) | 0-2 win (4-0 agg) |
| SF, 1st leg | Bayern München (H) | 5-4 win |
| SF, 2nd leg | Bayern München (A) | 1-1 draw (6-5 agg) |
The standout PSG performances: A 7-2 away thrashing of Bayer Leverkusen in the league phase, an 8-2 aggregate demolition of Chelsea in the Round of 16, and a 4-0 aggregate dismantling of Liverpool in the quarter-finals (including a 2-0 home win and 2-0 away win at Anfield).
The Bayern Munich semi-final was the highest-scoring tie of the knockout rounds — PSG winning 5-4 at home before drawing 1-1 in Munich for a 6-5 aggregate. This run cements Luis Enrique’s PSG as the most attacking-strong side in the tournament.
PSG’s path through Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich is one of the toughest knockout routes any Champions League finalist has navigated in recent memory.
Arsenal vs PSG Champions League Final Odds
| Outcome | bet365 Odds |
|---|---|
| Arsenal to win (90 minutes) | 11/5 |
| Draw (90 minutes) | 12/5 |
| PSG to win (90 minutes) | 6/5 |
| Arsenal to win the trophy (incl. ET/pens) | 13/10 |
| PSG to win the trophy (incl. ET/pens) | 7/10 |
Odds correct at time of writing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
PSG are favourites to lift the Champions League trophy at 7/10, with Arsenal at 13/10. PSG’s strength against Premier League opposition this season (8-2 agg vs Chelsea, 4-0 agg vs Liverpool) has shifted the market firmly toward the French champions despite Arsenal’s stronger league phase record.
The 90-minute market reflects this: PSG at 6/5 to win in normal time, Arsenal at 11/5, with the draw at 12/5. PSG’s recent demolition of major opposition has made them clear favourites.
For comparison across UK bookmakers, see our full Champions League betting hub.
Why Are PSG Favourites?
PSG enter the Final as favourites for three substantive reasons:
1. Their knockout record against English opposition is exceptional. 8-2 aggregate vs Chelsea, 4-0 aggregate vs Liverpool. The way PSG dismantled the Premier League leaders home and away has reshaped the market’s view of their attacking strength.
2. Their attacking firepower has been overwhelming. PSG scored 5 goals in the home leg vs Bayern (5-4), 5 vs Chelsea at home (5-2), 7 vs Leverkusen away in the league phase (2-7). They’ve consistently scored 3+ goals in big knockout matches.
3. Arsenal’s knockout football has been pragmatic but tight. Single-goal aggregate wins over Sporting CP (1-0) and Atlético Madrid (2-1) demonstrate Arteta’s organisation but also raise questions about whether Arsenal can outscore PSG in an open Final.
Why Arsenal Can Still Win
Despite being underdogs, Arsenal have genuine reasons to be confident:
1. Arsenal’s defensive record is the best in the tournament. Just 4 goals conceded in the knockout rounds combined — 0 vs Sporting CP across 180 minutes, 1 vs Atlético Madrid across 180 minutes. PSG’s attacking firepower will face Europe’s most organised defence.
2. Arteta’s tactical pedigree in big single matches. Arsenal beat Atlético Madrid 4-0 in the league phase and Bayern Munich 3-1 — the only sides to genuinely outplay top European opposition this season. The blueprint exists.
3. Mental edge from underdog status. PSG’s two previous Champions League Final defeats (2020 to Bayern, 2024 to Real Madrid) suggest a psychological vulnerability when carrying favourite status into the showpiece fixture.
4. The earlier 5pm BST kick-off favours less stamina-dependent football. Arsenal’s organised pressing system should handle tournament pressure better than PSG’s high-energy attacking style in the slightly cooler afternoon Budapest conditions.
Arsenal vs PSG Predictions
Our prediction: PSG to win 2-1 in normal time. The market has identified the right favourite — PSG’s attacking quality across the knockout rounds is genuinely exceptional, and Arsenal will struggle to defend for the full 90 minutes against a team that’s scored 5+ in the Round of 16, quarter-final and semi-final.
Alternative scenarios worth considering:
- Arsenal 1-0 PSG — possible if Arteta sets up to absorb pressure and counter, similar to the Sporting CP quarter-final approach
- 2-2 in 90 minutes, going to extra time — PSG’s attacking output combined with Arsenal’s defensive organisation could produce a high-scoring stalemate
- PSG 3-1 Arsenal — if PSG impose their attacking rhythm early, this becomes the most likely scoreline
For bet builder construction ideas, see our bet builder tips hub and football accumulator tips.
How to Watch the Champions League Final in the UK
The Champions League Final 2026 is broadcast in the UK on TNT Sports, with streaming available via the discovery+ app.
| Broadcaster | Channel | Coverage Start |
|---|---|---|
| TNT Sports | TNT Sports 1 / 2 | 3:30pm BST |
| discovery+ | Streaming app | 3:30pm BST |
Free coverage: Highlights are available on BBC Match of the Day following the match.
bet365 customers can also stream the match live via the bet365 app provided the account is funded or a qualifying bet has been placed in the last 24 hours.
Champions League Final FAQs
What time does the Champions League Final 2026 kick off in the UK?
The 2026 Champions League Final kicks off at 5pm BST in the UK on Saturday 30 May 2026. That’s 6pm local time in Budapest.
Where is the 2026 Champions League Final being played?
The 2026 Champions League Final is at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary. The stadium opened in 2019 and is the home of the Hungary national football team.
Who are favourites to win the Champions League Final 2026?
PSG are favourites at 7/10 to win the Champions League trophy. Arsenal are 13/10 to lift the trophy. The 90-minute result market has PSG at 6/5, Arsenal at 11/5, and the draw at 12/5.
What channel is the Champions League Final on in the UK?
The Champions League Final 2026 is broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, with streaming available via the discovery+ app. Coverage starts at 3:30pm BST.
How many Champions League Finals has Arsenal been in?
This is Arsenal’s second Champions League Final. Their first was in 2006 when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris. The 20-year gap is the longest between Champions League Final appearances for any English club.
How many Champions League Finals has PSG been in?
This is PSG’s third Champions League Final. They lost the 2020 Final 1-0 to Bayern Munich (the COVID-era Final in Lisbon) and the 2024 Final 2-0 to Real Madrid. The 2026 Final is their best chance yet to lift their first Champions League trophy.
When was Arsenal’s last Champions League Final?
Arsenal’s last Champions League Final was in 2006, when they lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris. The Final featured Thierry Henry, Robert Pires, Sol Campbell and a young Cesc Fàbregas in the Arsenal squad.
Has PSG ever won the Champions League?
No. Paris Saint-Germain has never won the Champions League. They’ve reached three Finals (2020, 2024, 2026) but lost the first two. The 2026 Final is widely seen as their best opportunity given the squad’s evolution under Luis Enrique.
Who did Arsenal beat to reach the Final?
Arsenal beat Leverkusen (3-1 agg) in the Round of 16, Sporting CP (1-0 agg) in the quarter-finals, and Atlético Madrid (2-1 agg) in the semi-finals. Their league phase included an 8-from-8 record.
Who did PSG beat to reach the Final?
PSG beat Monaco (5-4 agg) in the knockout play-offs, Chelsea (8-2 agg) in the Round of 16, Liverpool (4-0 agg) in the quarter-finals, and Bayern Munich (6-5 agg) in the semi-finals. PSG’s knockout demolition of three Premier League clubs (Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham earlier in the league phase) has been remarkable.
What is the prize money for winning the Champions League Final 2026?
The winners of the 2026 Champions League receive approximately €25 million in prize money from UEFA. Additional revenue from market pool, broadcast rights and qualification position can bring total earnings to €100m+ for the eventual winner.
What is the Puskás Aréna capacity?
Puskás Aréna has a UEFA capacity of approximately 65,000 spectators. The stadium is named after Hungarian football legend Ferenc Puskás and serves as the home of the Hungary national football team.
Is the Champions League Final on free TV in the UK?
No. The Champions League Final 2026 is broadcast exclusively on TNT Sports (subscription required). However, highlights are available following the match on BBC and ITV. The UEFA Champions League final is no longer mandated for free-to-air broadcast in the UK.
Will Arsenal vs PSG go to extra time or penalties?
Bookmakers price match decided in normal time at around 4/9, match decided in extra time at 7/2, and match decided on penalties at around 12/1. The 90-minute resolution remains most likely, but recent Champions League Finals have a strong record of going to extra time.
What was Arsenal’s last European trophy?
Arsenal’s last European trophy was the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1970. They have never won the Champions League or its predecessor the European Cup. Winning the 2026 Final would end a 56-year European trophy drought.
How can I bet on the Champions League Final 2026?
The Champions League Final 2026 is available across all UK bookmakers. Welcome offers from Betfred (£50), BoyleSports (£40), bet365 (£30), and others can be deployed on the Final. See our Champions League Final free bets page for full bookmaker comparisons and Saturday-specific promotions.
More Champions League Final Content
- Champions League Final Free Bets — Welcome offers and Saturday promotions
- Bet Builder Tips for the Final — Multi-leg bet builder ideas
- Football Accumulator Tips — Daily accumulators
- Best Champions League Betting Sites — Bookmaker comparison for European football
Bet Arsenal vs PSG — Champions League Final Welcome Offers →
Andy is the founder, owner and editor of thatsagoal.com, with over 20 years of experience in betting on sports. He has a keen eye for stats, particularly when looking at players to be carded, and these form a large part of the bet builder tips you see on the site. As well as creating daily football tips, Andy also keeps thatsagoal updated with all the best bookmaker promotions and offers for our readers.
