Why The Killers are performing before 2026 Champions League final

The UEFA Champions League Final is one of the biggest stages in soccer, so whoever performs beforehand gets a golden opportunity to perform in front of the world.

This year, that honor belongs to The Killers, a global rock band behind one of the biggest songs in the world. The American band has a massive international fanbase, especially in Europe, and is the latest musical act to take the stage ahead of the biggest Champions League match of the season.

Get to know The Killers and why they are performing on Saturday.

Who are The Killers?

The Killers are a rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada who has been in the spotlight for over two decades. Their most popular song, "Mr. Brightside" is one of the biggest songs in the world and hit the mainstream immediately upon release in 2004.

The Killers - Mr. Brightside pic.twitter.com/ICsYUiixXZ

The band consists of a few members, primarily lead singer Brandon Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and drummer Ronnie Vannucci Jr. They have released seven albums, with an eighth on the way, but their first album Hot Fuss from 2004 remains their most popular.

The Killers are largely influenced by other rock acts like Bruce Springsteen, U2, David Bowie and Queen. While they are based in America, they do have a big global influence, especially in the United Kingdom.

Why are The Killers performing before the Champions League Final?

UEFA announced The Killers as the pregame performer ahead of the 2026 Champions League Final in what the organization described as an "unforgettable curtain-raiser." The Killers are currently working on their eighth album, but this performance is about bringing a global band to one of the biggest stages in soccer.

"The Killers are an iconic band whose energy will set the perfect tone in Budapest, delivering an exhilarating start to the biggest match in European club football," co-managing director of UC3 Guy-Laurent Epstein said. "Together with Pepsi, we're proud to elevate the fan experience once again – in the stadium and for millions watching worldwide."

The Killers themselves called this opportunity a huge honor.

"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," the band said. "We're honored to celebrate the incredible teams and players at what will undoubtedly be an epic match."

In the past, Champions League pregame show acts have varied from Alicia Keys and Andrea Bocelli to the Black Eyed Peas. Last year, Linkin Park had the honor of performing before the game in Munich, Germany.

When is the 2026 Champions League Final?

• Date: Saturday, May 30
• Time: 12:00 p.m. ET

The 2026 UEFA Champions League Final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will begin at 6:00 p.m. local time in Budapest (12:00 p.m. ET), Hungary on Saturday, May 30.