Soccer Aid 2026 line-ups, start time and how to watch

Since 2006, originally every two years but now annually since 2018, Soccer Aid has raised money in aid of UNICEF UK, through ticket sales and donations from the public.

From actors such as Tom Hiddleston, Owen Cooper and Danny Dyer to football legends Wayne Rooney and Jill Scott, there are plenty of huge names taking part.

Here is everything you need to know for this year’s match.

🏆 WE’RE BACK!
📆 Sunday, 31st May
🏟️ London Stadium
🎟️ https://t.co/DDfFFjyv9O

We can’t wait to celebrate 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF with you! pic.twitter.com/7Y1bS2YXe6

— Soccer Aid (@socceraid) March 3, 2026

What are the Soccer Aid 2026 line-ups?

As with each year, the exhibition-style football match will once again be between England and the Soccer Aid World XI.

Each team is composed of celebrities and former professional players representing their countries, and is the only mixed-sex match officially sanctioned by The FA.

The England team is as follows:

Managers: Robbie Williams, Harry Redknapp and David Seaman

Legends: Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Jade Moore, Joleon Lescott, Theo Walcott, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart

Celebrities: Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Owen Cooper, Danny Dyer, Damson Idris, Angryginge, Chloe Burrows, Jack Whitehall, Jordan North, Sam Thompson, Joe Marler, Olly Murs, Tom Grennan, GK Barry, Alex Brooker

The Soccer Aid World XI team is as follows:

Managers: Usain Bolt and Clarence Seedorf

Legends: Tim Cahill, Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Lukas Podolski, Michael Essien, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Ali Krieger, Edwin van der Sar, Jen Beattie. 

Celebrities: Ethan Payne, Dermot Kennedy, Maisie Adam, Nicky Byrne, Chris O’Dowd, Richard Gadd, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Simon Neil, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Molly McCann, Tobi Brown/TBJZL, Big Zuu, Frankie Dettori, Nabhaan Rizwan

The ROW/World XI team narrowly leads the head-to-head, with eight wins to the England team’s six.

Last year’s match saw the World XI team win 5-4 at Old Trafford in Manchester.

This year, the match is being held at the London Stadium, which is the second time it has been played there.

When is Soccer Aid on?

Soccer Aid 2026 is free to watch in the UK and will be on ITV1 from 5pm tonight (May 31), with kick off at 6.30pm.

This year’s fundraising could help UNICEF create safe spaces in crises, deliver vital vaccinations and nutrition, support learning, and so much more to protect every child’s right to play. 

Will you be watching Soccer Aid this year? Let us know in the comments.