Soccer Aid 2026: A Charity Match for a Great Cause
Soccer Aid is back, bringing together England and the World XI in a friendly yet competitive match that aims to raise funds for Unicef. This annual event, which has been running since 2006, continues to be a significant platform for charity, with last year’s game at Old Trafford raising over £15 million for children in need around the world.
Over the years, Soccer Aid has grown into a major event, with more than £120 million raised across its 14 editions so far. The 2026 edition promises to be another memorable one, as fans prepare to witness legendary footballers and celebrities teaming up for a good cause.
The World XI’s Recent Victory
Last year’s match saw the World XI emerge victorious at Old Trafford, largely due to the outstanding performance of Carlos Tevez, who scored four goals. This win brought the overall series score to 8-6 in favor of the World XI. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, this match serves as a fun way for fans to enjoy some nostalgic moments on the pitch.
When and Where to Watch Soccer Aid 2026
The 2026 Soccer Aid match is scheduled for Sunday, May 31, with a kick-off time of 6:30pm BST at West Ham’s London Stadium. Fans can catch the action on ITV 1, with coverage starting at 5pm BST. Additionally, the game will be available for free streaming on ITVX. For those who prefer live updates, Independent Sport will provide a live blog covering all the action, including analysis and commentary.
Who Will Be Playing in Soccer Aid 2026?
The England team features a mix of former football stars and well-known celebrities. Here are some of the key players and personalities set to take part:
England Team
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
The World XI Lineup
The World XI squad includes a mix of football legends and celebrities from various fields. Some of the notable names include:
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
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