October 24 – UEFA has confirmed that either Madrid or Baku will stage the 2027 Champions League final after the capital cities of Spain and Azerbaijan stepped in to replace Milan as host of the showpiece fixture.
After stripping Milan of its hosting rights last month due to uncertainty over the San Siro’s readiness, potentially impacted by planned reconstruction, UEFA reopened the bidding process for the 2027 Champions League final. Madrid and Baku have now submitted bids to host the event.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has nominated Madrid’s Estadio Metropolitano, home to Atletico Madrid, as a possible venue. The stadium previously hosted the 2019 final, where Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham to claim their sixth European title.
The Baku Olympic Stadium, Azerbaijan’s bid for the 2027 final, has previously hosted high-profile events, including matches during Euro 2020 and the 2019 Europa League final, where Chelsea defeated Arsenal, but Azerbaijan has never hosted a Champions League final. Baku’s Olympic Stadium would be the most easterly venue in the competition’s history if selected.
UEFA will announce the confirmed venue in May 2025. Munich’s Allianz Arena (2025) and Budapest’s Puskas Arena (2026) have already been confirmed as host stadiums for the next two Champions League finals.
Champions League final host cities have in recent season become more than just sites for the match itself. They host a range of activities, including fan zones, sponsor activations, and concerts, turning the event into a multi-day football festival. On match day, the host will be expected to organise a large-scale opening ceremony and the trophy presentation post-match.
UEFA have all submitted bids to host the 2027 Women’s Champions League final – Warsaw’s National Stadium (56,826 seats) , Barcelona’s Camp Nou (99,000 seats), St. Jakob Park in Basel (37,500), and the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (74,500).
The Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal, will host the 2025 Women’s Champions League final with the Ulleval Stadion in Olso, Norway, hosting in 2026.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1733248245labto1733248245ofdlr1733248245owedi1733248245sni@g1733248245niwe.1733248245yrrah1733248245