Champions League final: Start time, teams playing, venue, and everything you need to know before the match

The 2024–25 UEFA Champions League final is rapidly capturing global attention as two elite clubs prepare to battle for European soccer’s most coveted trophy. This season’s tournament featured a historic format change, with 36 teams competing in a league phase for the first time, leading to thrilling and dramatic moments throughout.

Now, only two teams remain — but only one will lift the trophy, while the other will settle for silver. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of soccer’s biggest showdown of the season:

When is the Champions League final?

The Champions League final is set for Saturday, May 31. While group and knockout stage matches have taken place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for this edition, the final has traditionally been scheduled on a Saturday for several decades.

What time does the final start?

The Champions League final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET, when referee István Kovács will blow the opening whistle. But the action begins well before kickoff, with an extensive pre-match show featuring a performance by legendary band Linkin Park—making it an event you won’t want to miss.

Where does the final take place?

This year’s final will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany — the home stadium of Bayern Munich. The venue was originally slated to host the 2022–23 final, but Istanbul’s hosting rights were moved after the 2021 edition was suspended, pushing Munich’s hosting to 2025.

Who’s performing at the final?

The two teams performing in the Champions League final are French giants Paris Saint-Germain and Italian powerhouse Inter Milan, in what promises to be a memorable game. PSG will be making their second-ever Champions League final appearance, while Inter Milan bring more experience, playing in their sixth final in the history of the competition.

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Both sides are guided by master tacticians — PSG’s Luis Enrique and Inter’s Simone Inzaghi — who have constructed formidable squads. They each overcame tough opponents in Arsenal and Barcelona, respectively, to reach this stage. As the 2024–25 season nears its climax, the Champions League final is poised to deliver a spectacular conclusion to European club soccer’s most prestigious competition.