UEFA Announces Host Cities for 2027 Finals
UEFA has officially designated Madrid as the host city for the 2027 men’s Champions League final, it was announced on Thursday. The Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium, home to Atlético Madrid, triumphed over Baku’s Olympic Stadium in Azerbaijan for this prestigious fixture. Additionally, UEFA confirmed that Warsaw will welcome the women’s Champions League final in 2027 at the National Stadium.
Changes in Hosting Rights
Originally, the esteemed San Siro Stadium in Milan was slated to host the men’s final. However, UEFA revoked these hosting rights in September 2024, citing concerns regarding the stadium’s readiness due to ongoing reconstruction plans for the historic venue, which has served as the home ground for Inter Milan and AC Milan for nearly a century.
Bidding Process and Decision
After reopening the bidding process in October 2024, UEFA received two proposals: from Madrid and Baku. Following a meeting of the Executive Committee held in Tirana, Albania, the decision was made to award the final to Madrid. The Metropolitano Stadium, which accommodates 70,692 spectators and opened its doors in 2017, previously hosted the 2019 Champions League final, where Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Historical Context and Upcoming Events
This upcoming final will mark the sixth occasion that Madrid has hosted the climax of Europe’s premier club competition, placing it just behind London, which has hosted the event eight times. Prior to the Madrid final, the 2026 Champions League final will take place in Budapest, Hungary, at the Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026. As for the women’s final this season, it is set to occur at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, Norway. Additionally, UEFA has announced that the 2026 men’s Super Cup will take place at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
