Arsenal will face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League final, but the Gunners may be compelled to wear their away strip for the showpiece event in Budapest. The north London club reached their first final in 20 years after eliminating Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal at the Emirates Stadium.
Kit Clash Concerns
Whether Arsenal can don their traditional red and white home kit depends on which team emerges from the other semi-final between Bayern Munich and PSG. UEFA's bracket system, which placed Arsenal in the 'blue' bracket, allowed them to avoid heavyweights like Real Madrid and Manchester City, but it also determines home and away status for the final.
Bayern Munich Scenario
If Bayern Munich progress, Arsenal will likely wear their blue zig-zag away kit. This is because Bayern's current home strip is predominantly red, which clashes with Arsenal's red and white. When the sides met in the 2024 group stage, Bayern wore their white and red home shirt while Arsenal donned their green and navy third kit. In Budapest, Bayern would be the designated home side, forcing Arsenal into their away colours.
PSG Scenario
Should PSG reach the final, Arsenal are expected to wear their home kit. PSG's dark blue away kit provides sufficient contrast with Arsenal's red and white, as seen in their group stage matches last season when both sides wore their home strips.
Historical Context
This would be the second consecutive Champions League final where Arsenal miss the opportunity to wear their iconic red and white. In 2006, Sol Campbell scored against Barcelona while the Gunners wore their yellow away kit. The club's away kit for the 2025/26 season features a blue zig-zag design, while the third kit is white and burgundy.
The final is scheduled for May 30 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, where Arsenal will use the away dressing room regardless of the opponent. The decision on kit allocation ultimately rests with UEFA, but historical precedent and colour contrast rules suggest the Gunners will be in their blue away strip if facing Bayern.
