More famous faces added to Soccer Aid 2026 line-up
Robbie Williams leads the 20th anniversary game
Last updated 8th Apr 2026
Soccer Aid for UNICEF will celebrate its 20th anniversary in style this Summer, with 33 celebrities and football legends confirmed for the 2026 charity match at London Stadium on Sunday 31st May 2026.
The game, which has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since 2006, will once again see England take on Soccer Aid World XI FC in front of more than 60,000 fans.
UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co‑founder Robbie Williams will manage England and said: "I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, it’s one of the most important things to me."
Robbie will be able to call on comedian Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper, with The Traitors star sharing the gloves with Paddy McGuinness, who will become the record appearance holder when he takes to the pitch. The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston is back and said: "I will heed the advice: if you get the ball, just pass it to a pro!"
Former England and Manchester United pro Wayne Rooney will provide on‑pitch leadership and skill, bringing together more debutants in the shape of 16‑year‑old Adolescence star Owen Cooper, who said: "I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan!".
Who are the celebrities and footballers playing Soccer Aid 2026?
A whole host of celebs and former professionals have been announced so far, with Usain Bolt making his managerial debut for World XI.
Check out the two squads so far below:
England Squad
Ex-professionals such as Jermain Defoe, Steph Houghton, Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott will take to the pitch for England, alongside famous faces including Owen Cooper, Joe Marler, Angry Ginge and Tom Hiddleston.
Robbie Williams (manager)
Joe Hart (goalkeeper)
Joe Marler (goalkeeper)
Paddy McGuinness (goalkeeper)
GK Barry
Alex Brooker
Owen Cooper
Jermain Defoe
Toni Duggan
Angry Ginge
Tom Hiddleston
Steph Houghton
Damson Idris
Jordan North
Wayne Rooney
Jill Scott
Theo Walcott
British actor Damson Idris said of his debut: "I can’t quite believe I will join the England team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF" as he prepares to walk out on the pitch at the London Stadium amongst football legends like Rooney, Edwin van der Sar and Theo Walcott.
World XI Squad
The World XI squad announced includes famous faces such as Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Chris O'Dowd, Richard Gadd and Big Zuu, as well as former professionals such as Jen Beattie, Edwin van der Sar, Leonardo Bonucci and Jordi Alba.
Usain Bolt (manager)
Edwin van der Sar (goalkeeper)
Chris O'Dowd (goalkeeper)
Jordi Alba
Maisie Adam
Jen Beattie
Leonardo Bonucci
Richard Gadd
Ali Krieger
Nitro
Big Zuu
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau
Simon Neil
Usain Bolt will manage Soccer Aid World XI FC for the first time. He said: "We're going for gold at the London Stadium and want to break records, raising as much money as possible to help UNICEF support children around the world."
When is Soccer Aid?
Soccer Aid will take place on Sunday 31st May 2026.
Where is it?
The 2026 game will take place at the London Stadium (ex Olympic Stadium), in London.
How can I watch Soccer Aid?
Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 will be live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary and UNICEF UK key supporter Alex Scott, with Sam Matterface as commentator.
How to get tickets
Tickets for the game are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets – Adult tickets from £20 and Juniors from £10. Tickets include access to a pre-game ‘Fan Zone’.
UNICEF UK CEO Philip Goodwin said: "Every ticket bought and every pound raised helps UNICEF protect play for children everywhere - by providing clean water, healthcare, education and the support they need to thrive."