Soccer Aid 2026: Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of This Weekend’s Match

From Jill Scott, Wayne Rooney and Leonardo Bonucci to Tom Hiddleston, Usain Bolt and GK Barry, Soccer Aid for UNICEF heads to London Stadium on 31 May 2026 for a major milestone: its 20th anniversary match. What began in 2006 as a charity football fixture masterminded by Robbie Williams has since grown into one of the biggest live sporting entertainment events in the UK, raising more than £121 million for UNICEF.

As always, in 2026 we can expect celebrity cameos aplenty, football legends back on the pitch and more than 60,000 fans on the sidelines as England once again takes on Soccer Aid World XI FC, who currently lead the overall head-to-head record with eight wins to England’s six. This year’s edition also sees several high-profile debutants, including former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, former US captain Ali Krieger, broadcaster GK Barry, Adolescence star Owen Cooper, radio DJ Jordan North and former England rugby player turned firm Faithful Joe Marler, alongside returning players Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, Jermain Defoe, Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Sam Thompson and Tom Grennan.

Martin Compston and Livi Diamond Sheldon celebrate following Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2025 taking place on Sunday 15th June at Old Trafford, Manchester. (© UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

What Is Soccer Aid For UNICEF?

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is a live charity football match played between England and a World XI team made up of former professional footballers, musicians, actors, broadcasters and sports personalities. Co-founded by Robbie Williams in 2006, the event raises vital funds for UNICEF and its projects supporting children around the world.

Over the years, the match has evolved into one of the biggest celebrity sporting events in Britain, attracting major footballers alongside personalities from music and entertainment.

Tom Grennan preforms at half time during Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 taking place on Sunday 12th June at the Old Trafford, Manchester. (© UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

What Happens On The Day?

Soccer Aid is a football match with added amusement. With a mixture of retired professionals and clueless celebrities on each side, you can expect some good play, but more often some weak passes and hard-fought goals.

Soccer Aid has been played at stadiums across the UK, from Manchester’s Old Trafford to London’s Wembley Stadium and Stamford Bridge. In 2022, Soccer Aid made its debut at London Stadium – the Stratford multi-purpose sports venue built for the London 2012 Olympic Games – and the game returns here for 2026. Of course, the venue will be configured in ‘football mode’ for closer views of the pitch.

This year, players will wallop the adidas Trionda ball across the pitch – the first time the ball will be used outside of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Alongside the game, organisers have confirmed a special 20th anniversary half-time entertainment show and a pre-match fan zone for ticket holders.

Usain Bolt of World XI (right) celebrates with Patrice Evra of World XI after scoring his sides first goal during Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2023 taking place on Sunday 12th June at the Old Trafford, Manchester. (© UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

Who’s Playing At Soccer Aid 2026

The 2026 line-up includes a mix of footballers, musicians, comedians, presenters and actors, from veteran of the pitch Wayne Rooney to actor Tom Hiddleston in his third appearance. Adolescence star Owen Cooper makes history as the youngest player ever to compete in Soccer Aid (young enough to not even have been born for the match’s inaugural kick off in 2006), while other debut players include Damson Idris, GK Barry and Jordan North. Comedian Paddy McGuinness, meanwhile, will become the all-time record appearance holder when he takes to the pitch this year, his tenth appearance.

Behind the scenes, Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams will manage England, while legendary sprinter Usain Bolt will manage the World XI team.

All the names to know are as follows:

Football names: Wayne Rooney, Leonardo Bonucci, Jordi Alba, Edwin van der Sar, Joe Hart, Theo Walcott, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Jill Scott, Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger.

Celebrity players: Tom Hiddleston, Robbie Williams, Sam Thompson, Paddy McGuinness, Big Zuu, Usain Bolt, Angry Ginge, Olly Murs, Dermot O’Leary, Jordan North, Richard Gadd, GK Barry and Damson Idris.

England lift the Soccer Aid for UNICEF Shield during Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 taking place on Sunday 9th June at Stamford Bridge, London. (© UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures)

Where & When

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 takes place on Sunday 31 May 2026 at London Stadium, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London, E20 2ST. Stratford station is connected by the Jubilee, Central and Elizabeth lines, alongside National Rail and Overground services.

Tickets

Tickets are on sale now, with adult tickets starting from £20 and junior tickets from £10. Ticket holders also receive access to the pre-match fan zone. Purchase via socceraid.seetickets.com

How To Watch

The match will air live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player.

Eagle Bar, The Chancery Rosewood

Where To Stay Nearby

For a quirky stay within easy reach of Stratford, hop aboard the Elizabeth Line and zip along to Farringdon, where The Rookery awaits with its deliciously unique bedrooms and enviable location amid some of the city’s top eateries.

One stop further, Charlotte Street Hotel is a five-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Station, and again boasts was a fabulous location for foodies as well as West End theatres and access to buzzing Soho.

One stop further still, close to Bond Street Station, indulge in a stay at the brand spanking new The Chancery Rosewood, housed in the former US Embassy on Grosvenor Square. Home to a whopping five restaurants of its own, don’t miss the rooftop Eagle Bar for sundowner cocktails.