PSG vs Arsenal live online: Champions League Final latest news, score and updates
Ligue 1 champs PSG look for a second straight Champions League title while Arsenal is in search of their first title days after winning the Premier League.
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PSG vs Arsenal: 2026 Champions League final live buildup
Might have been a strange decision from the referee, but he gave the corner and was willing to allow Arsenal to take it but they decided to mess about and were punished for what some would call antics.
For a team that is so good off the set piece, and had so few chances to test PSG after their goal that was a golden chance right before the break, but it was begging.
The ref just blew the whistle before Saka could take the corner kick. Arsenal were doing was Arsenal do, taking their time putting the ball in play and the ref took matters into his own hands. The first half ends, and the Gunners are up on the defending champions.
Corner kick to come for Arsenal on the last action of the first half.
Nothing came from the corner, but PSG kept hold of the ball and Fabian tried to test Raya for the first time with a half volley from outside of the area on the left side. Raya was ready and made a comfortable save. His first one of the evening.
Corner kick coming for PSG with a couple minutes to go.
Saka and Havertz with a one two that set the German free into the box but his shot came a half second late as Marquinhos closed the door.
Doue with another shot high wide and handsome as PSG is left with really nothing left to do but try their luck from distance.
Neves goes down in the area, and there were some half hearted appeals that were never going to be acknowledged by the ref.
Six minutes of stoppage time in the first half here from Budapest.
Dembele from outside the area, faked a shot with the right foot and sent it into row G with the left here from Puskas Arena.
Mendes has been the best for PSG so far, and he got to the end line, skipping past Mosquera looking for a teammate in the small area, but Hinacpie was the only one there and he was able to clear his lines.
Doue with a disappointing touch into the middle, and that attack is spoiled with Arsenal's defense a bit out of position. In the few occasions that they have had a chance to make something happen, PSG haven't looked polished in the final third.
Mendes with another ball into the mix, but again could not find anyone on the end of his cross and PSG are starting to paint a picture of a frustrated team. They may need the halftime break to go back to the drawing board. They'd be happy to be down just 1-0, while Arsenal won't mind that one bit either.
Dembele entered the box and took a touch into the middle from the right side, but he was brilliantly covered again by Hincapie. So far the Arsenal defense has been perfect.
Rice put in a tempting ball and Gabriel and Havertz were in the area but that header went high from Gabriel.
Rice with a take away and looks up the park for Saka who was pushed from behind by Mendes and that will give Arsenal some time to breath as they set up a set piece from the right touchline.
Mendes with a dangerous ball into Pacho right out side the small area, but the defender couldn't get on the end of that ball.
Doue's ball into the bod was deflected by Hincapie and out for a corner.
Dembele trying to force something out of nothing and his little dink into the area was collected easily by Raya.
Doue with a ball from the half way line for Ruiz and Raya had to come out of the area and knock it into touch.
Vitinha lays it off for Doue in the area and he went down in the area, but it was a bit too cheapish for the refs liking.
Dembele with a ball into the area but there is just no space with all the Arsenal bodies in the area.
If you told Arsenal they wouldn't have conceded a single shot in the first half hour of the match, they probably wouldn't have believed you but asked where is the dotted line to sign.
Safonov is going to shake off the knock to the back of his head and continue. We will have to montior his progress as he looks to shake off a brutal shot almost a half hour into this match.
Saka with a brilliant move to the end line and the ball couldn't have been much better. Trossard was late getting there and Safonov paid the price diving into the knee of Marquinhos and he is down getting medical attention.
We have a hydration break midway through this first half. It's not blistering hot, but it is late May in Budapest and summer heat is approaching. It is around low to mid 70s at Puskas Arena, but protocol is protocol.
The little possession that Arsenal is afforded is not amounting to much. They are awfully direct and looking for a quick strike on the counter but that only gives PSG possession back a little too easliy.
How long is Arsenal going to be able to chase PSG? They need to establish a little bit of possession just to give their back line a bit of respite. PSG not creating too much at the moment, but it's only a matter of time before they start to open up the defense and test Raya in goal.
Both coaches up and out of their dugouts. At the moment it's Luis Enrique looking the more active, and agitated after a slow start from his team.
Havertz, Odegaard and Saka making sure they are behind the ball when PSG have it in the attacking third. Not much space for a team that loves to run at defenders.
Odegaard tries a little flick over the defense from outside the box for Trossard but it was just a bit to heavy and Safonov claims it.
Hakimi forces a corner after a perfectly weighted ball from Neves. The ball was cut out right around the right edge of the area by Saliba.
Joao Nevese sent to ground by Lewis-Skelly right around midfield and PSG are settling into the match a quarter of an hour in.
Fabian runs on to a ball played in behind the defense and into the area, but his ball across the face of goal was more hopeful than anything as the rest of the top three were late getting into position.
Hard to believe that one goal will be enough for Arsenal, even with their incredible goals allowed record in this tournament.
Kvaratskhelia almost got on the end of a bouncing ball in the area but Gabriel was there to knock it out for a corner. Training ground corner comes to nothing after a short take and a pass to the back post from Vitinha that just drifted over the end line.
Arsenal dropping back for the first time in the opening 10 minutes and allowing PSG to pass the ball from side to side looking for a gap in between the back line.
Dembele with a ball into the box for the first time and it was Saliba nodding it out of danger. Immediate response from PSG who will be looking to level the score against a team that only gave up 6 goals in 14 Champions League matches.
How does this change the game plan for both Arsenal, and PSG? Arsenal will be happy to play with the lead, but they will have to keep attacking. PSG will certainly turn up the pressure as a response to the early Arsenal goal.
Havertz, who has been through so much in his time at Arsenal, and he scores the biggest goal of his life five minutes into the game. It was a deflection in the of the park that played Havertz in behind the defense and Arsenal take advantage of their first chance of the night.
GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!
Havertz ran in behind the defense and carried the ball into the box, catching everyone by surprise with a shot from a tight angle on the left side. He left Safonov shocked by the shot that hit the top netting.
Fabian was whistled for a foul in the middle of the park, and flipped the ball over his shoulder. Arsenal fans wanted the game's first booking, but none came.
By this time in the second leg of the semis, PSG had already scored an oh so important goal against Bayern. They have yet to have the ball in the attacking half almost four minutes into this game.
High pressure from Arsenal early on and PSG have had a tough time bringing the ball past the center circle.
Early free kick for Arsenal from right around mid field. Gabriel got a head to it at the edge of the area, but it rolled out for the game's first goal kick.
Arsenal are going to try and grind this match out. They will want to impose themselves, but PSG will be gunning for goal from the very start. Which team will be able to take control of the match from the start?
THE 2026 CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL IS UNDERWAY FROM PUSKAS ARENA!!!
Kickoff just seconds away
The tifos are out, the players are taking the pitch and we are ready to go here from Budapest. For the last time were here the Champions League anthem this season. Who will be crowned champions by the end of the night?
Hopefully it's the one and only time we have to mention the refs tonight, but here they are. German Daniel Siebert has been selected to keep order in this match that will be watched around the world.
Who will be the ones lifting this trophy two hours and some change from now? It's the most coveted prize in club soccer, and we have 90 minutes to decide a winner from Budapest. The Killers are still rocking the stage, but the two teams are ready to come out of the tunnel. Kickoff is right around the corner.
The legend is in the building
Thierry Henry will be watching with vested interest from the CBS Golazo set this evening. He was part of the Invincibles team that went undefeated in the Premier League over two decades ago, but he never won the Champions League with Arsenal. This team has a chance to become the most coveted team in club history if they are able to pull of the win over PSG today. Plenty of heavy hitters were sure to give Henry some love before kick off.
Pregame show coming
The Killers are about to kick off the festivities from Puskas Arena. Mr. Brightside will sure to be blaring around the stadium here from Budapest as the fans nervously sing along waiting for the game to begin at 6:00 p.m. CET.
Last five matches
These two teams have met just five times over the last decade. Two of those came last year in the semifinals of the Champions League. PSG won that tie 3-2 to advance to the final. The other three games were settled with two draws and one Arsenal win back in the group stages in the fall 2024.
Even in the French Open
All eyes are on Budapest and the Champions League final, but fans that stuck around Paris are getting a double dip of sports today. Roland Garros is still in the early stages, but soccer fans are showing their colors on the biggest day of the European season. Hopefully the match ended in time for both of these fans from each respective side can get to a bar, or back home and watch the opening kickoff.
PSG's unstoppable attack
The PSG-Bayern Munich match may have brought the world's attention to the attractive style of Luis Enrique and the Parisians, but anyone who has been watching these guy for the last few years knows this is one of the best attacking teams that this sport has ever seen. They scored 74 goals in their domestic campaign, in the Champions League group stages, they banged home 21 and another 23 in the eight knockout matches. It’s the unstoppable force taking on the unlovable object this evening from Budapest.
Arsenal's wall in the back
Many people have tried to attack Arsenal for their lack of attacking play, or ambition in the final third of the pitch. While they may not always be the most pretty side to watch, you can't argue with the results. This team is disciplined, and defensively they are about as good as it gets. They allowed just 27 goals in 38 Premier League matches on their way to lifting the league trophy. In the Champions League, their return is even better. In 14 matches in the UCL, they have conceded just six goals and two of those goals came to the side that finished last in the group stages, FC Kairat.
A change of the system
Here is another look at the PSG XI. They just took the pitch at Puskas Arena, and were greated by the sea of blue and white here in Budapest. This is a club that sacrificed their insistence on bringing in the top stars and the biggest names, and built a team. Credit Luis Enrique for creating a vision, but also those on the board that had to adjust to the new way of doing things with a manager who knew what it took to get to this stage.
Ballon d'Or candidates to make their case
As always the Champions League final is set to feature a load of Ballon d'Or candidates. Tonight from Budapest, we have at least a couple on each side. Dembele could have a chance to back it back-to-back UCL titles, and back-to-back Ballon d’Ors. He might have is stiffest competition from his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. While they will be “competing” for candidacy, there is no bad blood or dressing room rift between the two teammates who have left their egos at the door and have come together for the greater good of the team. On the other side of the pitch, you would have to think Declan Rice could be a candidate if Arenal are able to win this game and secure the coveted domestic and European double. Of course, this is a special year with the World Cup coming. Winning this title tonight would help all of those candidates cases but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia will no be appearing in the World Cup with Georgia, so Dembele and Rice could have a leg up heading into the summer time. Our David Nelson has more.
From teammates to the touchlines
While the two mangers of today's match never played a first team match together, they were Barcelona teammates right around the turn of the century. Luis Enrique was already a star for the blaugrana while Arteta was a rising star out of La Maisa. Enrique made the controversial switch from Madrid to Barcelona, and played there from 1996 until 2004. Arteta would reach the Barcelona B team in 1999, and join the first team for training sessions, but never got a first team match with Enrique before getting loaned off to PSG.
Year of the Spanish manager
What a year it has been for Spanish managers. Unai Emery started things off with a Europa League win with Aston Villa, then Inigo Lopez took Rayo Vallecano to the Conference League final, but lost out to Crystal Palace. Now two Spanish managers are facing off in the Champions League final. Luis Enrique has won everything everywhere he has gone, and is looking for his second straight UCL title and third overall. Meanwhile Arteta just broke the Gunners Premier League drought a couple weeks ago and now has the chance to lead Arsenal to their first Champions League title ever. Tonight we will cap what has been an incredible year for Spanish managers.
Mikel's PSG past
Mikel Arteta is on the brink of becoming the most historic coach in club history all in a matter of a couple weeks. He snapped the Premier League drought a couple weeks ago and now he has a chance to bring the club their first Champions League title ever. To do so he is going to have to beat a club he holds near and dear to his heart. Arteta played at PSG for 18 months back in the beginning of his career. It was there that he met one of his footballing mentors that is now in charge of one of the spotlight team’s in this years World Cup.
Star watch: Arsenal
For Arsenal it has been their back line that has come to the rescue more often than not. While we think of the Gunners as a defensive minded team, their wingers should not be slept on. Bukayo Saka is a world class attacking option, although his form has dipped a bit in the second half of the season. Gabriel Martinelli, and Victor Gyokeres should not be slept on either. The Brazilian is the team's top scorer in the Champions League with 6, and Victor had 14 goals in the league to lead the Gunners.
Star watch: PSG
Luis Enrique's squad is packed to the brim with attacking talent. From the from three up top to the midfield and even the full backs are constantly a threat when they get into the attacking third. Obviously the trident of world class talent up top is an attack that we haven’t seen in quite some time in Europe. Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele is gunning for a second UCL title and a second golden ball, but his attacking partner Khvicha Kvaratskhelia might be the favorite to win the Ballon D’Or come next fall. The Georgian leads the team in UCL goals with 10 and has another 6 assists. Add Desire Doue in the mix, and this attack is a three headed monster that is almost impossible to contain.
Ruiz in for WZE
Maybe Fabian Ruiz in the midfield instead of Zaire-Emery could be considered a bit of a shock but the Frenchmen is coming off a back injury that kept him out for two of the last three matches of PSG's season. Luis Enrique will have him available off the bench, should he need his dynamic midfielder.
PSG XI!!!
Luis Enrique has named his XI for a potential second straight Champions League title, and there are no surprises coming from the Spaniard.
Safovnov is in goal, with Hakimi, Pacho, Marquinhos and Nuno Mendes in the back, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Joao Neves, in the middle and Doue, Kvaratskhelia and Dembele up top for PSG .
Domestic form: Arsenal
Finally, Arsenal broke the curse. After over two decades without a Premier League title, the Gunners edged out a late charge from Manchester City and hoisted the highly coveted trophy for the first time since 2004. They were ahead in the table all year long, but stumbled in April leaving the door open for Pep and Manchester City. A City draw against Everton gave control back to Arsenal and then a draw against Aston Villa gave Gunners the title that sent North London into a frenzy that it hadn't seen in over 20 years.
ARSENAL XI!!!
We have our first XI, and it's the Premier League Champions that have released who will be starting the first Champions League final in two decades.
It´s Raya, Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel and Hincapie in the back, with Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard, Saka Trossard in the middle and Havertz up front.
Last match: PSG
PSG's last Champions League match was in Munich following one of the best 90 minutes of soccer we have ever seen. After the 5-4 win by the French side, Ousmane Dembele scored a third minute goal that set the tone for the rest of the 87 minutes of the 2nd leg. PSG held strong and defended well against one of Europe’s most potent attacking sides. Harry Kane made things interesting in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but by then it was too little too late for the Germans.
Parisians making their presence
You had to know the PSG supporters were coming out in massive numbers. They are only of the liveliest lot in all of Champions League soccer and with a European Cup in their pocket, they are expecting to win a second straight one after way too long of a wait. If PSG can't make it a second straight UCL title, it won't be because of lack of support.
How they got here: Arsenal
Arsenal were the top team in the league from the group stages, through the knock out round and they will be hoping to be the top team tonight in the final. They won all eight of their matches in the group stage, but drew to Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of the round of 16. A 2-0 win at the Emirates saw them off to the quarters where a lone goal by Kai Havertz was enough to push them through to the semis. A tight, defensive, level 2 legs against Atletico were settled with a Bukayo Saka penalty in the final 90 minutes from the Emirates and Arsenal booked their ticket to the final for the first time since 2006.
Arsenal make their entrance
The Gunners are in the building. Just a few days after winning the Premier League for the first time in over a decade they walk into Puskas Arena with a sense of relief that may benefit them. Many experts, pundits and ex players are saying that their league title takes the pressure off of Arsenal today, and that may just invite them to play a little looser, a little calmer against the defending champions.
How they got here: PSG
For the second straight year, it was PSG having to fight their way through the playoff just to make it through the round of 16. They won four, drew two and lost two matches to Bayern and to Sporting CP. They had an all France playoff against Monaco and just edged their Ligue 1 rivals 5-4 to reach the round of 16. PSG demolished Chelsea in the quarters and then blanked Liverpool 4-0 over two legs before they set up the heavy weight batter in the semis. Bayern and PSG were locked in an explosive slug fest for 180 minutes and it was the Parisians who edged the the Germans to make it to their second final in as many years.
Last match: Arsenal
Arsenal drew 1-1 at the Metropolitano in the first leg of the semifinal, and hosted the last 90 minutes from the Emirates. Bukayo Saka scored the go ahead goal right before the halftime break to take control of the tie and Arsenal were able to hold on to their lead until the final whistle to book their second trip to the UCL final, and first in 20 years.
We are live from Budapest
Hello everyone and welcome to Puskas Arena where the Champions League final will be held for the first time ever. What a spectacle that awaits us this evening. The two strongest teams in the tournament. Two domestic league champions. The best attack against the best defense. Paris vs. London from Hungary. We could not have asked for a better match on a better night from Budapest. Buckle up and stick with us all night long as we lead you up to kickoff all the way through to the trophy presentation and beyond.
PSG vs. Arsenal live preview
The European Cup is on the line this evening from Budapest. After a 36 team group stage was slashed down to a round of 16, then quarters and semis we have the Champions League final and what a match up awaits us from Puskas Arena. It's the defending champions, Paris St. Germain, looking for their second straight title while Arsenal is on the hunt for their first ever UCL title. I'm Dane Arlauckas and I’ll be taking over from the legend Roddy Cons as AS USA will be with you all night providing live coverage, stats, highlights and analysis of tonight’s title bout between to European giants.
PSG: last five games
May 17: Paris FC 2-1 PSG (Ligue 1)
May 13: Lens 0-2 PSG (Ligue 1)
May 10: PSG 1-0 Brest (Ligue 1)
May 6: Bayern Munich 1-1 PSG (Champions League)
May 2: PSG 2-2 Lorient (Ligue 1)
MOHAMMED BADRA / EFE
PSG current form: Five wins and a draw against UCL giants
Paris Saint-Germain have only lost two of their last 15 games, although that’s the kind of run you expect from a team that has such a huge financial advantage over everyone else in their domestic league. However, that sequence includes the Champions League wins over Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, in which they won five of six matches. Their defeats came at home to Lyon and Paris FC, their final Ligue 1 fixture.
Nacho Monreal: “We all knew Mikel Arteta would become a great manager”
“He has a strong personality and knows exactly what he wants. Even as a teammate, whenever we had team talks, he was one of the voices everyone listened to. Everything he said made sense. We all knew he'd become a great manager.” Nacho Monreal knew former Arsenal teammate Arteta was destined for big things in management, as he told AS this week.
Arsenal: last five games
May 24: Crystal Palace 1-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
May 18: Arsenal 1-0 Burnley (Premier League)
May 10: West Ham 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
May 5: Arsenal 1-0 Atlético Madrid (Champions League)
May 2: Arsenal 3-0 Fulham (Premier League)
Eiffel Tower gets PSG treatment
The eyes of Paris are on Budapest this Saturday. Even the Eiffel Tower is wearing PSG colors.
Hannah McKay / REUTERS
Arsenal: current form: Six (out of) seven
Arsenal have been on a tear since losing to Manchester City on April 19, which looked as if it might kill their Premier League title challenge. Since then, they've won six games out of seven, with the only one they didn't win, a draw away to Atlético Madrid, helping them reach the Champions League final.
Shaun Botterill / Getty Images
How many times has the Champions League final ended in a tie?
Of the 33 previous finals, seven have been decided by a penalty shootout:
1995-96: Juventus 1-1 Ajax (4-2 pens)
2000-01: Bayern Munich 1-1 Valencia (5-4 pens)
2002-03: AC Milan 0-0 Juventus (3-2 pens)
2004-05: Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (3-2 pens)
2007-08: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (6-5 pens)
2011-12: Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich (4-3 pens)
2015-16: Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético Madrid (5-3 pens)
The 2014 final between Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid is the only final in which a team has scored a winning goal in extra time.
Champions League final: what happens if there's a tie?
If the game is tied at the end of 90 minutes, then we'll have 30 minutes of extra time (two periods of 15 minutes). If the teams still can't be separated, then nerves will be shredded and nails will be bitten as we head for a penalty shootout.
German referee Daniel Siebert will be on vacation after today's game as he hasn't been selected for the 2026 World Cup. He'll hope to have a quiet 90, or perhaps 120 minutes, but there are never any guarantees. Check out our profile of the UCL final whistler.
Meet the refs: Full officiating team for the 2026 Champions League final
Referee: Daniel Siebert (Germany)
Assistant referees: Jan Seidel and Rafael Foltyn (Germany)
Fourth official: Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
Reserve assistant referee: Guadalupe Porras Ayuso (Spain)
VAR: Bastian Dankert (Germany)
Assistant VAR: Robert Schröder (Germany)
VAR support: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
Barça reunion in Budapest: Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta go way back
“I met him when I was 16 and I was at Barcelona training with the first team. He was somebody incredibly caring towards the young academy players, really supportive and someone that I admired.” Arteta and Luis Enrique go back a long way.This is their story.
Matthew Childs / Action Images via Reuters
Mikel Arteta back in the winners' circle
Mikel Arteta, by contrast, had come under fire for struggling to get over the line after joining Arsenal in 2019 following a spell as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City. The Gunners won the FA Cup at the end of Arteta’s first season in 2020 but had only two Community Shield wins to show for his efforts until this year’s Premier League victory.
Luis Enrique closing in on elite Champions League milestone
If Luis Enrique manages to add to his personal trophy haul, he'll join a very exclusive list of managers, which includes his mate Pep Guardiola and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane. One man still towers above them, though. This is what we're talking about.
KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP
Luis Enrique's honors with Barcelona and PSG
Luis Enrique has had the Midas touch for most of his managerial career so far. Although his success has come with Barcelona and PSG, two clubs where you’d expect any manager to get their hands on plenty of silverware.
Between 2014 and 2017, the Spaniard won nine trophies with Barça, including two LaLiga titles and the Champions League in 2015.
Since joining PSG in the summer of 2023, Luis Enrique has led the team to victory in 11 competitions, with three league titles and last year’s Champions League triumph the highlights.
The 56-year-old has also coached Barcelona B (2008-11), Roma (2011-12), Celta Vigo (2013-14) and Spain (2018-19).
Frederic Stevens / Getty Images
PSG before and after QSI
It’s easy to argue that Paris Saint-Germain’s recent domination in France is entirely down to Qatar Sports Investments (QSI), a Qatari-government-operated shareholding organization. QSI have been PSG’s majority owners since 2011 and became sole owners the following year.
Prior to 2011, PSG, who were founded as recently as 1970, had only ever won two league titles in 1986 and 1994. In the 2009-10 season, they finished 13th in the table, while Lyon won seven straight championships between 2002 and 2008.
When will France have a league champion that isn’t PSG? At the moment, it feels like never.
Champions League winners since 1992-93
1992-93: Marseille 1-0 AC Milan
1993-94: AC Milan 4-0 Barcelona
1994-95: Ajax 1-0 AC Milan
1995-96: Juventus 1-1 Ajax (4-2 pens)
1996-97: Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Juventus
1997-98: Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus
1998-99: Manchester United 2-1 Bayern Munich
1999-00: Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia
2000-01: Bayern Munich 1-1 Valencia (5-4 pens)
2001-02: Real Madrid 2-1 Bayer Leverkusen
2002-03: AC Milan 0-0 Juventus (3-2 pens)
2003-04: Porto 3-0 Monaco
2004-05: Liverpool 3-3 AC Milan (3-2 pens)
2005-06: Barcelona 2-1 Arsenal
2006-07: AC Milan 2-1 Liverpool
2007-08: Manchester United 1-1 Chelsea (6-5 pens)
2008-09: Barcelona 2-0 Manchester United
2009-10: Inter Milan 2-0 Bayern Munich
2010-11: Barcelona 3-1 Manchester United
2011-12: Chelsea 1-1 Bayern Munich (4-3 pens)
2012-13: Bayern Munich 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
2013-14: Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (AET)
2014-15: Barcelona 3-1 Juventus
2015-16: Real Madrid 1-1 Atletico Madrid (5-3 pens)
2016-17: Real Madrid 4-1 Juventus
2017-18: Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool
2018-19: Liverpool 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
2019-20: Bayern Munich 1-0 Paris Saint-Germain
2020-21: Chelsea 1-0 Manchester City
2021-22: Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool
2022-23: Manchester City 1-0 Inter Milan
2023-24: Real Madrid 2-0 Borussia Dortmund
2024-25: Paris Saint-Germain 5-0 Inter Milan
Arsenal’s previous Champions League final
Arsenal's only previous Champions League final ended in heartbreak in 2006. Despite having goalkeeper Jens Lehmann sent off after only 18 minutes, Arsène Wenger’s team took the lead against Barcelona before halftime when Sol Campbell headed in a free kick.
But as they entered the final stages, two goals in five minutes from Samuel Eto’o and Juliano Belletti ensured the trophy would be heading to Catalonia.
An 18-year-old Lionel Messi missed the final through injury, while Xavi was an unused substitute, also due to fitness issues. Fellow Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta came off the bench at halftime.
Luis Enrique's post-Mbappé prediction comes true for PSG in the Champions League
Luis Enrique told us PSG would be better without Mbappé. Plenty didn't believe him, but it turns out he was right. This is how things have gone for PSG, the France captain and Real Madrid since that transfer.
PSG’s previous Champions League finals
PSG are taking part in their third Champions League final. Their record so far is mixed, with one victory and one defeat.
In 2020, they faced Bayern Munich in the slightly surreal ‘COVID-19’ final behind closed doors in Lisbon. Kylian Mbappé played in his only Champions League final to date but was unable to inspire his team to victory. Kingsley Coman, who ironically came through the PSG academy, scored the only goal of a forgettable game.
Their next appearance was certainly more memorable. Twelve months ago, PSG took Inter apart in Munich, recording the biggest margin of victory in any major European final. Doué scored twice, while Hakimi, Kvaratskhelia and Senny Mayulu also found the net in a 5-0 win.
Apples and oranges, chalk and cheese. PSG had (an admittedly not very good) Chelsea, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, while Arsenal got Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Atlético Madrid. “Perfectly respectable clubs, of course. Strong clubs. Historic clubs. But not exactly the kind of collection that makes you wake up in a cold sweat at 3 a.m.,” as AS USA's very own Calum Roche puts it in this article.
PSG fans in full voice in Budapest
Although we had a little bit of beef between fans late last night, there's a carnival atmosphere in Budapest, as you'd expect. This is how the PSG fans are contributing.
Dylan Martinez / REUTERS
Arsenal in the semifinals: Saka sinks Atlético
The Gunners and Atlético Madrid traded penalties in the first leg at the Metropolitano, setting up a winner-takes-all clash in North London. Bukayo Saka’s goal on the stroke of halftime settled the contest and sent Arsenal through to their first Champions League final in 20 years.
Arsenal 2-1 Atlético Madrid on aggregate.
Pedro Nunes / REUTERS
Arsenal in the quarterfinals: Havertz decisive again against Sporting
The first leg against Sporting looked destined to end goalless until Havertz popped up once again, this time with an even later goal.
A nervy second leg at the Emirates saw Arsenal sneak through with that solitary strike from the German.
Arsenal 1-0 Sporting on aggregate.
CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF / EFE
Arsenal in the round of 16: Havertz penalty key in Leverkusen
If we’re honest, Arsenal didn’t have the most testing run to the final. But they were never in total control of any of their knockout ties. They needed a late Kai Havertz penalty to avoid defeat away to Bayer Leverkusen before securing a relatively comfortable 2-0 win in the second leg in London.
Arsenal 3-1 Leverkusen on aggregate.
Arsenal's league phase results
Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos
Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid
Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich
Club Brugge 0-3 Arsenal
Inter 1-3 Arsenal
Arsenal 3-2 Kairat
How Arsenal reached the 2026 Champions League final
Arsenal were in unstoppable form in the league phase, in which they were the only team to win all eight games. That saw them qualify for the round of 16 directly with games to spare, and allowed them to skip the two-legged playoff round. A 4-0 home hammering of Atlético Madrid and a 3-1 victory over Bayern at the Emirates were the highlights.
Impressively, they both scored the most goals and conceded the fewest, with two of the four goals let in coming in the final game against Kairat, by which time qualification had already been secured.
The Gunners were then drawn in the ‘easy’ side of the bracket, avoiding the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, PSG and Bayern Munich. Their run to the final saw them make relatively hard work of getting past Bayer Leverkusen, Sporting CP and Atlético Madrid.
FRANCK FIFE / AFP
PSG semifinals: Bayern edged out in Champions League classic
The first leg at the Parc des Princes, which ended 5-4 to PSG, will live long in the memory. Luis Enrique’s team were ultimately disappointed with the result after taking a 5-2 lead after 58 minutes, while there were, quite incredibly, no goals after the 68th.
The second leg was an entirely different contest, with PSG showing they are capable of defending effectively, as well as attacking.
PSG 6-5 Bayern Munich on aggregate.
FRANCK FIFE / AFP
PSG in the quarterfinals: Liverpool the next Premier League victims
PSG’s star attackers Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were on top form as the French club put four goals past Liverpool without reply, two in each leg.
PSG 4-0 Liverpool on aggregate.
Andrew Couldridge / Action Images via Reuters
PSG in the round of 16: Chelsea swept aside
PSG completely swept Chelsea aside after scoring three goals in the final 16 minutes of the first leg in Paris.
Two early strikes at Stamford Bridge sent them cruising into the next round.
PSG 8-2 Chelsea on aggregate.
Champions League legends give PSG vs Arsenal predictions
Before Saturday's final, Champions League legends, including Xavi, David Silva, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole have been involved in small-sided games as part of the Champions League final festival in Budapest. Here's who they're backing to win at Puskas Arena. Who have you got?
Sarah Meyssonnier / REUTERS
PSG in the playoff round: Monaco scare
The Parisians looked to be in serious trouble when they went 2-0 down in the first leg against Monaco, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun scoring twice. They recovered to win 3-2, but were given a huge scare in both legs.
PSG 5-4 Monaco on aggregate.
PSG’s league phase results
PSG 4-0 Atalanta
Barcelona 1-2 PSG
Bayer Leverkusen 2-7 PSG
PSG 1-2 Bayern Munich
PSG 5-3 Spurs
Athletic Club 0-0 PSG
Sporting 2-1 PSG
PSG 1-1 Newcastle
How PSG reached the 2026 Champions League final
As defending champions, PSG were expected to finish in the top eight of the league phase, which would've seen them qualify directly for the round of 16. However, defeats to Bayern Munich and Sporting, along with draws against Athletic Club and Newcastle, meant they only came 11th and were forced into a playoff against Monaco.
Luis Enrique’s team only just squeezed past their fellow Ligue 1 side but really hit their stride from the round of 16 onwards. They thrashed both Chelsea and Liverpool over two legs before edging Bayern in a classic semifinal.
Arsenal criticized over style of play
Not everyone has been overly enamored with Arsenal's tactics, though. That’s quite an understatement. Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman even brought up their style of play completely out of the blue when announcing his roster for the World Cup this week.
“Looking at the squad selection for the England national team, you can tell how they will play. They will rely on corners and throw-ins. In hot weather conditions, this is the least energy-demanding method. Arsenal became champions in exactly this way. Without corners, they wouldn't have achieved it.”
Koeman may not have been directly critical of the Gunners, but plenty of others have been for the same reason.
USMNT coach Pochettino: Arteta's “big brother”
It's easy to forget Arteta spent a season on loan at PSG when he was a young player with Barcelona, for whom he never played a first-team game. There he crossed paths with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who played an important role in his development, as he explains here.
Champions League final interrupts Arsenal's Premier League celebrations
It was a long time coming for Arsenal, whose fans have been in party mode ever since. There was a carnival atmosphere before, during and after the final Premier League game of the season against Crystal Palace, by which time they had already sealed the title.
“It's an amazing feeling,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“I've been trying to go through this moment a few times, but I could never expect it to be that big, to be that beautiful, and to see so much joy and pride amongst all the people and our supporters.”
The key moment in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph
Things looked ominous for the Gunners when they were beaten 2-1 by City on May 19, which meant the title was no longer in their own hands. However, they bounced back superbly by winning their last five Premier League games.The 1-0 win at West Ham was arguably the most pivotal, with Leandro Trossard's late strike followed by an injury-time equalizer for the Hammers which was eventually ruled out after a long, long, long VAR check. Had it stood, that could have spelled disaster for Mikel Arteta and his team.
Why Arsenal are more dangerous than ever
“It's going to give us tremendous energy, confidence and clarity.” Mikel Arteta believes his team’s Premier League win will drive them on to success in the Champions League. Of course, he has to say that. Anyway, the Arsenal manager gave an exclusive interview to AS, which is a fascinating, and at times emotional read. Arteta had nothing but praise for Luis Enrique, who he crossed paths with at Barcelona.
PSG and Arsenal fans clash in Budapest: Police statement
There has been some debate as to whether this video, which has appeared online, is actually from last night, although PSG and Arsenal ‘fans’ do seem to have been involved in some kind of conflict as police in Budapest have issue the following statement on it:
“Several fans got into a fight on May 30, 2026, at around 00:20 in Budapest's 7th district, on Kiraly Street.”
“The BRFK 7th District Police Department has initiated proceedings against unknown perpetrators for the crime of gang violence, within the framework of which the camera recordings are also being analysed.”
Why not just enjoy yourself? Smile, it's Champions League final day.
Arsenal finally break 22-year Premier League drought
Tuesday, May 19, 2026. A date Arsenal fans will never forget. Manchester City's 1-1 draw away to Bournemouth meant the Gunners were crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 2004. A whole generation of fans had never seen their club, one of the most successful in English soccer history, win the league. Now they have.
Ousmane Dembélé’s lack of game time in Ligue 1
One of the secondary narratives of the Ligue 1 season was Ousmane Dembélé playing time, or lack of it. Due to injuries and being rested for the Champions League, the former Barcelona star only started 11 league games, yet was named Ligue 1's player of the season, which is ridiculous, in all honesty.
PSG win Ligue 1… again
In case you hadn't been paying attention, you probably won’t be surprised to read that PSG won Ligue 1, France’s top division, again this season. That makes it five titles in a row and 12 of the last 14 (although I’d argue they should have won 15 in succession considering the enormous financial advantage they’ve had over everyone else since 2011).
This season, they were made to work hard for it by Lens, who finished only six points behind on a fraction of the budget. Luis Enrique’s team only secured the championship with one game to spare, which isn’t all that impressive, if you ask me.
PSG vs Arsenal: which team is more expensive?
Which of the two teams is the favorite to lift the Champions League trophy? It's a tough one to call, especially given their contrasting styles. A look at the estimated values of the players on either side suggests it should be a relatively close-run thing.
Arsenal possible starting lineup vs PSG
Raya; Mosquera, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Ødegaard; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard
Other than Mosquera/Timber, Mikel Arteta's biggest calls are in central midfield (Myles Lewis-Skelly or Martin Zubimendi?) and in attack (Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli or Eberechi Eze?).
BEN STANSALL / AFP
Will Jurrien Timber play for PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League final?
Timber, arguably the best right-back in the Premier League this season, could be involved after more than two months out. In his prematch press conference, Arteta claimed the Dutchman was fit to start, although it would be a surprise to some to see him thrown straight back into such a huge game. If Arteta opts for caution, Cristhian Mosquera, normally a central defender, could start at right-back.
How Arsenal players are spending Champions League final morning
What do you do on the morning of the day you're going to play in the Champions League final? You take in the sights of Budapest, of course! That's how Arsenal players are unwinding ahead of the game, although they don't have too much time on their hands because of the early kickoff (6pm local time / 12pm ET / 9am PT).
Arsenal early team news: White, Timber, Madueke
Ben White is Arsenal's only confirmed absentee because of a knee problem. Arteta has late decisions to make on Jurrien Timber and Noni Madueke.
PSG possible starting lineup vs Arsenal
With all that in mind, PSG's lineup could look something like this:
Safonov; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Zaïre-Emery, Vitinha, João Neves; Doué, Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia
If Hakimi isn’t deemed fit enough to start, Zaïre-Emery will likely play at right-back, with Fabián Ruiz coming into the team in midfield.
Will Ousmane Dembélé play for PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League final?
Similarly, we've gone into a little bit more detail on Dembélé’s injury, as well as his peculiar 2025-26 season, in this article.
SIMON WOHLFAHRT / AFP
Ousmane Dembélé's late injury scare
Current Ballon d’Or holder Dembélé went off in PSG’s final league game against Paris FC, although it is believed he will recover from a calf problem in time to start.
Will Achraf Hakimi play for PSG vs Arsenal in the Champions League final?
A little more here on Hakimi's fitness issues in the run-up to the game, as well as his importance to the way PSG plays.
YOAN VALAT / EFE
Achraf Hakimi: PSG's main injury concern after semifinal injury
Hakimi has been PSG’s main worry after suffering a hamstring injury in the first leg of their semifinal against Bayern Munich. However, the Moroccan international is in the squad for the game and the fact he has only been out for a few weeks means Luis Enrique is hopeful he will be able to start.
Downtown Paris braced for PSG defeat... or victory
Sometimes you just have to shake your head and wonder where the world has gone wrong. Clips have emerged online of stores in downtown Paris boarding up windows and doors for fear of rioting and looting in the French capital. As if that wasn't bad enough, history suggests it's just as likely to happen if PSG actually win, never mind lose. After their victory last year, PSG ‘supporters’ in Paris vandalized public infrastructure, launched fireworks that caused trash can fires, set vehicles on fire and clashed with police.
Across France, two people were killed and over 190 injured. What would've happened if they'd lost... ?
PSG early team news: Dembélé, Hakimi, Mendes
PSG have had fitness concerns over a number of players in the run-up to the final, with Achraf Hakimi, Ousmane Dembélé, Nuno Mendes and Lucas Chevalier all carrying injuries. They are all in the squad for the game, so we have to assume they are in contention to play some part. In any case, Chevalier will be backup goalkeeper to Matvey Safonov.
PSG vs Arsenal head-to-head: Full record, past results, and Champions League history
Looking for a little more context? We've got you covered. Check out this article for more on the PSG vs Arsenal 'rivalry,’ if you can indeed call it that.
PSG vs Arsenal: previous meetings
May 2025: PSG 2-1 Arsenal, Champions League semifinal
April 2025: Arsenal 0-1 PSG, Champions League semifinal
October 2024: Arsenal 2-0 PSG, Champions League league phase
November 2016: Arsenal 2-2 PSG, Champions League group stage
September 2016: PSG 1-1 Arsenal, Champions League group stage
April 1994: Arsenal 1-0 PSG, Cup Winners' Cup semifinal
March 1994: PSG 1-1 Arsenal, Cup Winners’ Cup semifinal
Most recent first-time Champions League winners
Arsenal are hoping to follow in the footsteps of PSG, who won the trophy for the first time 12 months ago, and Manchester City, who claimed their maiden victory in 2023. Before that, we have to go back to 2012 for the previous first-time winners, who were Chelsea.
Arsenal gunning for maiden Champions League victory
The word ‘Arsenal,’ of course, has never been engraved on the Champions League trophy. Despite being one of England’s most successful teams, the Gunners have never tasted success in Europe’s top club competition, playing in the final just once.
European Cup winning streaks
But soccer didn't start with the Champions League. The European Cup, which is the same trophy, ran from 1955 until 1992, during which time several clubs won it in successive years.
Real Madrid kicked it off with five wins in a row between 1956 and 1960, which goes a long way to explaining why they have eight more victories in the competition than anyone else.
They were immediately followed by Benfica (1961 and 1962) and Inter (1964 and 1965). Ajax (1971-73) and Bayern Munich (1974-76) both won three in a row, just before Liverpool (1977 and 1978) and Nottingham Forest (1979 and 1980) went back-to-back.
There was then a short gap to Milan (1989 and 1990), who were the last team to defend the trophy before Real Madrid in the 2010s.
How many teams have won back-to-back Champions Leagues?
PSG could become just the second club in the Champions League era to defend their trophy. Real Madrid, inevitably, are the only other team to have done it, winning three years in succession between 2016 and 2018.
2016: Real Madrid 1-1 Atlético Madrid (5-3 on penalties)
2017: Real Madrid 4-1 Juventus
2018: Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool
PSG chase back-to-back Champions League titles
Paris Saint-Germain have been a club transformed under former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. In Europe, in any case. Once a laughing stock for their inability to close out ties and get over the line, they are now chasing a second successive Champions League trophy after dismantling Inter Milan in last season's final in Munich. More on that coming up.
What’s the forecast in Budapest for PSG vs Arsenal?
It's been pretty hot in some parts of Europe in recent days, although the temperatures aren’t expected to be too ridiculous in Budapest on Saturday. The forecast is for 74ºF throughout the game, with cloudy skies and even a little rain possible.
Puskas Arena hosts first Champions League final
Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary hosts the Champions League final for the first time, which isn't too much of a surprise considering it only opened in 2019. In the last seven years, though, it has held some big games, including the 2020 UEFA Super Cup (Bayern Munich vs Sevilla), and the 2023 Europa League final (Sevilla vs Roma).
Restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic also led to both legs of two Champions League round of 16 ties (Borussia Mönchengladbach vs Manchester City and RB Leipzig vs Liverpool) being held at Puskas Arena in early 2021.
Additionally, four Euro 2020 matches were played at the stadium, including Portugal’s 2-2 draw with France, in which Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both scored twice.
PSG vs Arsenal: How to watch the 2026 Champions League final in the U.S.
If you're in the United States, you have a number of options of how to watch today’s Champions League final, either on television or via streaming services:
CBS, Paramount+, TUDN USA, DAZN USA and Univision USA are all showing the game, which kicks off at 12pm ET / 9am PT.
Why is the Champions League final kicking off early this year?
UEFA announced last August that the Champions League final would kick off three hours earlier this year, explaining it as such:
“The decision is designed to enhance the overall matchday experience for fans, teams and host cities by optimising logistics and operations, while delivering several tangible benefits. Our goal is to make matchday a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season.
“For travelling supporters, it will mean improved access to public transport – especially after the match – and a safer, more convenient journey back from the stadium. For the host cities, it will boost the positive economic impact of the event by giving fans the possibility to continue their celebrations.
“The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even broader television and digital audience worldwide, with a particular focus on engaging younger viewers.”
(Only) 6 hours to kickoff in Budapest!
As fans of the Champions League, you'll be used to games in the competition being played at 3pm ET and 12pm PT (9pm in most parts of Europe). But that isn't the case for today’s final, which gets underway at 6pm local time, which is 12pm ET and 9am PT. Set your alarm so you don’t forget!
Hello and welcome to AS USA’s 2026 Champions League final buildup: PSG vs Arsenal!
Hello and welcome to AS USA's 2026 Champions League final buildup, with Paris Saint-Germain to take on Arsenal in Budapest, Hungary a little later. And we could witness history today, with the Gunners out to win the competition for the first time ever. PSG, meanwhile, are looking to join the exclusive list of teams who have won it back-to-back, which wouldn’t be too shabby either.
Expect news, stats, facts, trips down memory lane galore and maybe even somescandal over the next few hours as we build up to kickoff.
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