History will be made in the 2026 Champions League final as Arsenal face holders Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest this evening. The Gunners, 20 years on from their only previous appearance on European club football's biggest stage, are bidding to win this trophy for the first time ever and thus complete an historic double after being crowned Premier League champions.
Arsenal arrived in Hungary on Thursday and Mikel Arteta spoke to the media 24 hours later, confirming a major fitness boost ahead of the showpiece. However, it is a formidable task that awaits his side inside the Puskas Arena as PSG boast, arguably, the best set of forwards in Europe currently and are at full strength.
After dismantling Inter Milan 5-0 in last season's showdown to claim their maiden European crown, PSG are first holders to reach the final since Real Madrid in 2016-17 and 2017-18, and are aiming to become just the second team to retain the trophy in the modern era. Follow all the build-up to the Champions League final LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri in Budapest.
PSG vs Arsenal Champions League final build-up
- Start time
- How to watch
- Opening ceremony
- New kick-off time
- Arsenal team news
13:55 , Alex Young
A lovely touch from Mikel Arteta and the club for those on the club-chartered planes to Budapest, everyone getting a message from the boss.
Gooners,
WE have made history together this season.
On behalf of the players, coaches and everyone at the club, we thank you.We are so proud and happy for everybody involved in this football club.
This season, you have made matches unique by creating a special atmosphere and energy. You have fought for every ball with us and have helped us achieve something really memorable. This achievement belongs to all of us.
On Saturday, after 20 years, and for only the second time in our history, we are playing in a men’s UEFA Champions League Final.
As we all head to Budapest, you are our 12th player. From the hours before kick-off, into the first whistle and for every single minute, let’s give everything together to win this trophy for the first time.
Let’s get behind our incredible players to make history.
We are proud of you, and we thank you.
Vamos!
Mikel ArtetaManager, Arsenal Football Club
Free pin badge and a message from Arteta on the charter plane to Budapest #UCL pic.twitter.com/MdUo4xBNye
— Walid Arsenal (@1Walid1) May 30, 2026
Experts predict the Champions League final
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Gary Neville and Harry Kane are among the experts to have weighed in on the outcome of the Champions League final.
From Bilbao to Budapest
13:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal’s Champions League campaign began all the way back in September with a 2-0 win over Athletic Club in the league phase.
Thirteen games later, the Gunners arrive in Budapest seeking to make history.
Matt Verri in Budapest
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Matt Verri has spoken to a few Arsenal fans in Budapest to see how they are feeling ahead of kick-off.
❤️ "The best ever day in Arsenal's history."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 30, 2026
Here's how Arsenal fans in Budapest are feeling ahead of kick-off, as they send a message to the players.
📹 @MattVerri #PSGARS | #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/sLNHQB5T0a
What awaits Arsenal fans
13:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
When Arsenal fans get to their seats inside the Puskas Arena, they will have a nice red flag to wave.
Raya chasing clean sheet record
13:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
David Raya has kept nine clean sheets in the Champions League this season.
The record number of clean sheets kept by a goalkeeper in a UEFA Champions League season is ten - held jointly by former Arsenal stopper Jens Lehmann and ex-Real Madrid keeper Keylor Navas.
PSG fans descend on Budapest
13:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Think the PSG fans are more than up for this one!
Arrests made after Arsenal and PSG fans clash in shocking mass brawl
13:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arrests have been made in Budapest ahead of the Champions League final after Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain fans clashed in a mass brawl.
Hungarian police are studying footage of supporters fighting as they look to detain more of those responsible.
Officials said clashes had broken out in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Several videos have been shared on social media which appear to show Arsenal and PSG supporters fighting and lighting flares.
Matt Verri in Budapest
13:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Bit of an eery walk to the stadium. There’s barriers stopping fans get closer than about 400m from the Puskas Arena for now. Means it’s pretty much empty on the stroll beyond that.
Arsenal are the “best team in Europe”
13:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal are the “best team in Europe” without the ball, according to Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique.
Speaking ahead of the showpiece at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary, Enrique was full of praise for Arsenal’s transformation under Mikel Arteta.
“When you look at Arsenal’s stats, you can see that Mikel Arteta is a leader as a manager, who has instilled a winning mentality in the team,” Enrique said during a press conference.
Click here for Luis Enrique’s quotes in full!
Attack vs defence
13:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
It will certainly be a clash of styles in this evening’s Champions League final.
Arsenal have relied on their defence, conceding just two goals in the knockout phase - none of which from open play.
On the other hand, PSG have been fearsome in attack, putting eight past Chelsea, six past Bayern, five past Monaco and four past Liverpool across two legs.
Something has to give later on.
The countdown begins
13:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Just four hours to go until kick-off in the Champions League final between PSG and Arsenal.
Arsenal warned
12:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Thierry Henry has warned Arsenal that Paris Saint-Germain “can kill you in both ways” ahead of the Champions League final.
In a rematch of last season’s semi-final, the Gunners and PSG will lock horns in Budapest on May 30 for the right to be crowned champions of Europe.
For PSG , it’s a chance to retain the trophy they won in convincing and stylish fashion a year ago - thumping Inter Milan 5-0 in the final - while Arsenal are bidding to win the competition for the first time ever.
Luis Enrique’s side were impressive over two legs against Bayern Munich, winning 6-5 on aggregate and Henry believes it will be difficult for Arsenal in the final having watched the holders demonstrate their attacking and defensive prowess in the semi-finals.
Matt Verri in Budapest
12:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
More footage from the fan festival in Budapest.
More footage from the fan festival in Budapest, this time of Arsenal supporters.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 30, 2026
📹 @MattVerri
LIVE: https://t.co/nb5s71h2Hj#PSGARS | #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/nx8FVtUlVc
Arsenal star begins mind games before Champions League final
12:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori appears to have begun the mind games ahead of the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, suggesting that the Gunners may want to lift the trophy “more” than their opponents.
Arsenal go into Saturday night’s showpiece fixture in Budapest having celebrated clinching their first Premier League title for 22 years, though still without a Champions League triumph to their name.
It is only the Gunners’ second-ever appearance in the final and first for 20 years, having been edged out 2-1 by Barcelona in agonising fashion in Paris in 2005/06 under Arsene Wenger.
Champions League predictions
12:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Some very important Champions League final predictions 🐾#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/gPW9MVRdZc
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2026
Matt Verri in Budapest
12:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Mikel Arteta has not lost a step...
Mikel Arteta 1-0 Bukayo Saka pic.twitter.com/QhUwuCkoqe
— Matt Verri (@MattVerri) May 29, 2026
PSG record vs Premier League teams
12:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
PSG have run riot against Premier League teams of late, losing just three of the last 14 meetings.
Though, one of those losses was inflicted by Arsenal...
Paris against English opponents...#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/Yd6F69NW2P
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2026
PSG route to Champions League final
12:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Similar to last season, PSG finished outside of the top eight in the league phase but that has not stopped them reaching back-to-back Champions League finals...
Paris' road to the Champions League final 🔴🔵#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/fghw21eOCw
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2026
Arsenal's route to Champions League final
12:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal topped the league phase, winning all eight games and then relied on their strong defence to navigate the knockout rounds.
How Arsenal got to the final 🔴#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/ZmWofHrgki
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2026
PSG vs Arsenal latest match odds
12:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
PSG to lift trophy: 4/6
Arsenal to lift trophy: 11/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
First goal important
12:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
In any final, the first goal is crucial. That goes without saying.
But that certainly applies to Champions League finals as the losing side has not scored a goal since 2018.
Arsenal fans take over Budapest
12:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Budapest or north London?
Who is the Champions League final referee?
12:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Daniel Siebert will officiate the Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
Siebert’s appointment might just be a good omen for Arsenal as they have won all three previous games in which the German has overseen.
This includes the Champions League semi-final second leg win over Atletico Madrid and the quarter-final first leg victory in Lisbon.
Champions League final predictions
11:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
A number of footballing legends have revealed their predictions for this evening’s Champions League final.
It is a lot more even than you’d think...
Budapest final predictions: Who got it right? 🧐#UCLfestival pic.twitter.com/x9QtjvOtqV
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 29, 2026
The prize
11:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
European club football’s biggest prize in all of its glory...
Today. #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/qLG3ROoGxa
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 30, 2026
Bukayo Saka hails Arsenal rise as he aims to make history
11:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Bukayo Saka is relishing another opportunity to make his childhood dreams come true with Arsenal.
The Gunners will face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on Saturday night and history is there to be made.
Winning the Premier League ended a 22-year wait but now there is a new path waiting to be walked. Arsenal have never before been European champions.
Becoming the first group of players to get their hands on that trophy would be particularly special for Saka, who joined the Arsenal academy as an eight-year-old.
Final preparations
11:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
PSG held an open training in Budapest yesterday afternoon before their Champions League final showdown with Arsenal...
𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 29, 2026
PSG hold open training in Budapest this afternoon before their Champions League final showdown with Arsenal#PSG | #PSGARS | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/wN0q9DuBjM
Dembele reveals PSG 'hunger'
11:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is PSG forward Ousmane Dembele speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"We're savouring these moments. We've got a young group, a great group who want to win trophies.
“We're hungry to win everything, whether that's the Champions League, the league or domestic titles.
“If you want to be at the very top, you have to win these sort of trophies multiple times."
Why PSG vs Arsenal Champions League final isn't on free-to-air TV
11:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final today, though the game has not been made available to watch free-to-air in the UK.
Ever since the competition took over from the old European Cup in 1992, each year’s final has been available to watch without a subscription - whether that be on ITV, BT Sport or TNT Sports.
Furthermore, in previous years the Champions League final has been broadcast for free on YouTube.
However, the 2026 final between the champions of England and France respectively - which has a new kick-off time of 5pm BST - will NOT be available without paying in the UK for the first time in the competition’s 34-year history.
Click here to find out the reason!
Matt Verri in Budapest
11:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Footage from the fan festival with PSG supporters making plenty of noise ahead of the Champions League final.
Footage from the fan festival with PSG supporters making plenty of noise ahead of the Champions League final.
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 30, 2026
📹 @MattVerri
LIVE: https://t.co/nb5s71h2Hj#PSGARS | #UCLFinal pic.twitter.com/X9UOVqZjAZ
Combined XI
11:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Plenty of talk this week on who makes a combined PSG and Arsenal XI.
Does Bukayo Saka make it? What is the midfield three? How many Arsenal players get in?
Click here to find out our opinion!
Champions League final fit
11:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Listen, Champions League finals do not come around too often - especially if you are an Arsenal fan.
As such, it is no surprise that Arsenal supporters are making sure to make the most of the occasion.
Marquinhos motivated by history
11:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is PSG captain Marquinhos speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"It's always important to be motivated. Again this year, we've shown that. These are key moments.
“Once you win it, once you taste that success, you have so much desire to re-experience it.
“The emotion, the feeling in the dressing room; we're competitors."
Arsenal captain eyes more glory
11:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"It's something special that we can achieve. Twenty-two years since we [previously] won the Premier League, now we want to make more history.
“When you taste lifting a trophy, you want to do it again. It would mean so much to everyone, so we're looking forward to the game.”
Champions League final prediction
11:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Speaking to BOYLE Sports, former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petiti has revealed how he sees the Champions League final developing"
"PSG and Bayern were the most impressive teams in the Champions League. They have a DNA of exciting football and scoring goals.
"Now PSG are in the final, we know they will be very explosive when you look at the talent they have on the pitch. I don’t think Arsenal can compete with the talent they have.
"Having said that, no one is better than Arsenal at defending, that makes them a contender for the final. It will be a different approach against PSG to the one Bayern took.
"There will be two different visions and styles on show, PSG will be dreaming of two European Cups in a row, Arsenal will have to close the door on that. Tactically they can do it, but Arsenal will be the underdogs."
Champions League or Invincibles?
10:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The Standard's Luke Reevey asked Arsenal fans if they'd prefer to win a European title or keep their 03/04 Invincible Premier League season...
Ahead of a potentially historic Champions League final against PSG, The Standard's Luke Reevey asked Arsenal fans if they'd prefer to win a European title or keep their 03/04 Invincible Premier League season. pic.twitter.com/WaiCED3EYi
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 30, 2026
Arsenal legends reunite
10:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
A wholesome moment between Arsenal legends Thierry Henry and Ian Wright during yesterday’s open training session.
Ian Wright and Thierry Henry wholesome engagement😂😂❤️ pic.twitter.com/dbYyZ6svw8
— Gyökeres #14🏆 (@_Gunner4Life_28) May 30, 2026
Message for Arsenal fans
10:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
A meeting point ahead of the Champions League final has been established...
We are encouraging supporters to march to the stadium together from the fan meeting point at Varosliget City Park
— ArsenalMatchday (@ArsenalMatchday) May 30, 2026
Our march will begin around 15:15 - this will be signposted at the fan meeting point
Gunnersaurus will be leading the way keep an eye out for him.
Saka speaks
10:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is Arsenal winger speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"We've had a week to recover and prepare. The game won't be decided by minutes – it will be decided by moments.
“Mikel [Arteta] made it clear his mission was to bring the club back to where it belongs. I'm proud we've achieved that.
“It's been a long journey with some disappointments along the way. But we've picked each other up and gone again."
Big chance for Odegaard
10:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Martin Odegaard can go further than Patrick Vieira or indeed any previous Arsenal captain has ever gone. This is an opportunity to cement his name in the club's history books forever.
Never before has an Arsenal captain lifted the Champions League trophy. Thierry Henry came closest, leading the side out in 2006, but Barcelona left Paris with the winners' medals.
Two decades on from that defeat, Arsenal are back on the grandest stage in club football and Odegaard - assuming he starts as expected - will lead them out against Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest.
If Arsenal can upset the odds and beat the holders, Odegaard will elevate himself into discussions over Arsenal's greatest ever captain.
Click here to read Matt Verri’s Arsenal Champions League final preview!
The PSG view
10:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is PSG manager Luis Enrique speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"I've loved all the games we've played in the competition this season. We have shown, in those eight knockout games particularly, how good a side we are.
“We needed to suffer in those games, but we showed what sort of a side we are.
“We have to enjoy playing these kind of games, because you never know when you're going to experience these sort of occasions again."
Arteta previews final
10:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Here is Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta speaking to reporters ahead of the Champions League final:
"The preparation has been really, really good, focused [and] positive. We are here because we have earned the right to be here in the manner that we have played and performed in the competition.
"Tomorrow on that field we're going to have to earn the right to go and win the trophy."
Today's settings
10:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
The Puskas Arena hosts this season’s Champions League final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal.
In a few short hours, the stadium will begin to fill up!
PSG stand in the way
10:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
PSG are out to defend their crown!
The wait is over! ❤️💙#UCL pic.twitter.com/uOLvXyAKEp
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) May 30, 2026
Arsenal to make history
10:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Arsenal have never won the Champions League.
Is today the day that changes?
Standing on the brink of history. pic.twitter.com/yllALF6uaH
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 30, 2026
Matt Verri in Budapest
10:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Matt Verri was pitchside for Arsenal’s training session yesterday, confirming a huge boost for the Gunners.
🗣️ "Jurrien Timber's return is an absolutely massive boost."@MattVerri reports from the Puskas Arena as Arsenal prepare for the Champions League final#AFC | #PSGARS | #UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/zb1aKfrarJ
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) May 29, 2026
PSG team news
10:00 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Paris Saint-Germain have all of Ousmane Dembele, Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes available for selection in this evening’s Champions League final against Arsenal.
Right-back Hakimi was the first of four different scorers as PSG put five past Inter Milan in last year’s showpiece, but had been a doubt for Saturday’s game with a hamstring injury.
He has not played since the 5-4 semi-final first-leg win against Bayern Munich on April 28, but, in a boost for Luis Enrique, has been named in the Champions League final squad and declared fit to feature.
Matt Verri in Budapest
09:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Good morning from Budapest. I've been here since Thursday night and there are fans in Arsenal shirts every corner you turn.
Haven't seen many PSG supporters yet - I've probably seen more in the Bayern Munich camp.
Walked past a group of seven of them having a lovely time outside a bar last night. Clearly booked those flights before the semi-finals - got to respect them still making a holiday of it.
Arsenal team news
09:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Mikel Arteta confirmed on the eve of the Champions League final that Jurrien Timber was now fit and ready to start, which could be crucial in a battle with PSG star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
With Mikel Merino now available again and Timber back in contention, Ben White is the only confirmed absentee for the Gunners.
New kick-off time explained
09:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
UEFA announced back in August that starting from the 2025-26 season, the kick-off time for the Champions League final had been brought forward to 5pm BST.
The decision to switch from a 8pm BST kick-off is to "enhance the matchday experience and benefit fans, teams and host cities".
Opening ceremony
09:40 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
This year’s Champions League final kick-off show is being headlined by Las Vegas rock legends The Killers, who said: “When we were asked to perform at the UEFA Champions League Final Kick-Off Show presented by Pepsi we said, 'Yes' without hesitation; some stages speak for themselves.
“We're honoured to celebrate the incredible teams and players at what will undoubtedly be an epic match.”
The Killers’ performance will follow the showing of a new short film called ‘The Race Begins’, which features both the band - fronted by Brandon Flowers - and footballing icon Sir David Beckham.
How to watch
09:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
TV channel: In the UK, Saturday evening’s Champions League final showdown between PSG and Arsenal is being shown live on TNT Sports. Coverage begins at 3pm BST on TNT Sports 1, ahead of an earlier kick-off time at 5pm.
Live stream: TNT Sports subscribers can watch the action live online via the HBO Max app and website.
Live blog: You won’t miss a beat in the final with Standard Sport’s live blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Arsenal correspondent Matt Verri at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
PSG vs Arsenal LIVE
09:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne
Hello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage Paris Saint-Germain vs Arsenal as we build up to the Champions League final!
It's the champions of France against the champions of England for the right to be crowned kings of Europe.
We’ll have all the latest updates, early team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 5pm BST from the Puskas Arena. Stick with us!
