Soccer Aid 2026: Date, location, tickets plus the footballer and celebrity line-up

Mar 3, 2026 - 08:15

Soccer Aid is back as the world of football and celebrity collide for the world’s biggest charity match.

Robbie Williams created the event in 2006 and since 2018, it has been held annually, raising millions each year in support of children all around the world.

Paddy McGuinness poses in the England goalkeeper kit he will wear for the 2026 Soccer Aid match — This will be McGuinness’ tenth year as a Soccer Aid player and he will now have the most Soccer Aid appearances

In the 20 year history of the charity, they have raised more than £121million for UNICEF.

The 2025 edition at Old Trafford saw the World XI team secure a 5-4 win and they will be facing England again this year with a another star-studded cast.

Premier League legends will return to help raise money, including Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Joe Hart.

Ex-Lionesses Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton will be there again, having made their debut last year.

For the World XI team, new faces have been included, with the recently retired Barcelona legend Jordi Alba, former Scotland and Arsenal Women’s defender Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger, who played 108 times for the United States Women’s team, winning two World Cups, in the side.

Making their debuts from the world of Hollywood are 16-year-old Golden Globe winner Owen Cooper, who starred in Adolescence, and Formula 1 movie actor Damson Idris.

Additionally, popular podcaster GK Barry will make her first appearance on the pitch, followed by former England rugby player, Joe Marler.

When is Soccer Aid?

This year’s Soccer Aid will take place on Sunday, May 31 and will kick-off at 6:30pm.

It will be held at the London Stadium, home of West Ham United.

Wayne Rooney poses in the Soccer Aid England kit he will wear in the 2026 match — Rooney is returning and told talkSPORT he can’t wait to take on Jordi Alba

Paddy McGuinness playing in Soccer Aid — McGuinness has been ever present since 2016 and will be on hand to calm nerves of those making their debuts

Tickets are available from £20 for adults and £10 for juniors at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.

There will be a special 20th anniversary half-time performance, with the act yet to be announced.

Dermot Kennedy, Rita Ora and Robbie Williams, who will manage England this year, have previously performed at the event.

How to watch it

Fans can watch all of the action live and for free on ITV1 and online via ITVX.

Angry Ginge celebrates whilst playing for England at the 2025 Soccer Aid — Angry Ginge will return to Soccer Aid, which will please Rooney, who told talkSPORT he is looking forward to teaming up with him

Jill Scott poses in England kit ahead of the 2026 Soccer Aid match — Scott is returning to play for England and she will be have some familiar faces alongside her

Rest of World team celebrating at Soccer Aid — Big Zuu scored his first Soccer Aid goal to win the 2025 edition where teammate Carlos Tevez was booed at the home of Man United

Soccer Aid 2026: Line-ups

Along with Rooney, Leonardo Bonucci and Defoe, actor Tom Hiddleston, singer Olly Murs and YouTuber Angry Ginge will be there.

Usain Bolt will manage the World XI at the same place where he won gold at the 2012 Olympics. Big Zuu, who won the 2025 match, will be playing under Bolt as will Beattie and Krieger.

More names will be confirmed in due course.

And, given it is 20 years since the first edition, a special 20th anniversary extended half-time entertainment show is expected to be announced.

What has been said?

“I’ve not won yet, so hopefully I can put that right this year,” Rooney told talkSPORT, explaining he is relishing playing against Alba and is looking forward to teaming up with Angry Ginge.

Usain Bolt celebrates his win at the 2012 Olympic Games — Bolt will return to the scene of his gold rush and will for the first time manage the World XI

“You want to win. And I think the other celebrities outside of football bring that competitiveness to it because they want to win. It’s a massive occasion for them.

“And it’d be like me going and singing on stage in front of however many thousand people you want to do well.

“For all of them, they want to win. So that brings that edge to it. The matchday, everyone’s a little bit anxious. And you’re nervous for it.

“But then the build-up to that, it’s great fun. Everyone’s together and sharing different stories and having a good time.”

Serial winner Bolt is targeting more gold in London. “I’ve seen the team sheet and am thrilled to have football greats like Jordi Alba and Leonardo Bonucci along with exciting talent from music, TV and film.

“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. Everyone knows my record at the London Stadium. See you there, Robbie!”