Soccer Aid is back with England battling the World XI for bragging rights in the name of charity with funds raised for Unicef.
Last year’s spectacular at Old Trafford raised over £15m for Unicef to help children around the world.
Going strong since its inception in 2006, this year’s game is set to become the 15th edition with more than £120m raised in that time.
The World XI claimed the win last year at Old Trafford, mostly thanks to Carlos Tevez and the former Man United and Man City star’s four goals, taking the overall score across the series to 8-6 in the World XI’s favour.
And ahead of the serious football at the 2026 World Cup, fans will get to enjoy some legendary footballers rolling back the years, plus other celebrities ready to seize a famous moment on the pitch at West Ham’s London Stadium.
When and where is Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid is on Sunday, May 31, with kick-off scheduled for 6:30pm BST at West Ham’s London Stadium.
How can I watch Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid will be shown on ITV 1, and coverage begins at 5pm BST, fans can also live stream it for free on ITVX. While Independent Sport will bring you a live blog, including all the action, updates and analysis.
Who’s playing at Soccer Aid 2026?
England
Managers
Robbie Williams (England)
Harry Redknapp (England)
David Seaman (England)
Players
Wayne Rooney – Former Manchester United and England player
Jermain Defoe – Former Tottenham and England player
Jill Scott – Former Manchester City and England player
Jack Wilshere – Former Arsenal and England player
Shaun Wright-Phillips – Former Manchester City and England player
Tom Hiddleston – Actor
Paddy McGuinness – Comedian and presenter
Owen Cooper – Actor
Danny Dyer – Actor and TV personality
Damson Idris – Actor
Theo Walcott – Former Arsenal and England player
Angry Ginge – YouTuber
Chloe Burrows – Former Love Island star and radio host
Jack Whitehall – Comedian
Jordan North – Radio presenter and podcaster
Sam Thompson – Reality TV star and podcaster
Olly Murs – Singer
Steph Houghton – Former Manchester City, Arsenal and England player
Toni Duggan – Former Manchester City and England player
Joe Marler – Former England rugby player
Joe Hart – Former Manchester City and England goalkeeper
GK Barry – Influencer and podcaster
Alex Brooker – Comedian
World XI
Managers
Usain Bolt (World XI)
Clarence Seedorf (World XI)
Players
Jordi Alba – Former Barcelona and Spain player
Leonardo Bonucci – Former Juventus and Italy player
Lukas Podolski – Former Arsenal and Germany player
Michael Essien – Former Chelsea and Ghana player
Dimitar Berbatov – Former Manchester United and Bulgarian player
Nemanja Matic – Former Manchester United and Serbia player
Ali Krieger – Two-time World Cup winner with United States’ Women
Behzinga – YouTuber and member of the Sidemen
Dermot Kennedy – Singer
Edwin van der Sar – Former Manchester United and Netherlands player
Maisie Adam – Comedian
Jen Beattie – Former Arsenal and Scotland player
Nicky Byrne – Singer (Westlife)
Nitro – Former Team GB sprinter and Gladiators star
Chris O’Dowd – Actor and comedian
Simon Neil – Singer (Biffy Clyro)
Richard Gadd – Actor and comedian
Nikolaj Coster Waldau – Actor
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey – Former Commonwealth athlete and Gladiators star
Molly McCann – Former UFC fighter
TBJZL – YouTuber and member of the Sidemen.
Frankie Dettori – Former champion horse racing jockey
