Soccer Aid 2026 is almost here, with some of the biggest celebrities taking to the pitch in the name of charity.
Taking place at the London Stadium, this year's match will mark Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary, having raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since the first event in 2006.
Of the anniversary match, co-founder and manager, Robbie Williams 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. Last year’s event raised more money than ever and £121 million raised since we started – genuinely life-changing. Let’s hope we can break the record again this year. Can’t wait to see you there!"
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In addition to Williams and match regulars, such as Olly Murs and Sam Thompson, the starry line-up also includes ex-Lionesses Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton, Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler and Baby Reindeer's Richard Gadd.
Here's what you need to know about Soccer Aid 2026, including when and where you can watch it, and who will be playing.
What date is Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid 2026 will air on Sunday 31 May 2026 on ITV. It can also be streamed on ITVX.
Soccer Aid 2026 line-up
Here is Glamour's run down of the Soccer Aid 2026 line-up, for both England and the rest of the world.
Meet the England squad:
The Take That star and Soccer Aid co-founder will go up against Usain Bolt in this year's star-studded match.
Former England football star Jill Scott is officially returning to the field for Soccer Aid 2026.
The stand-up comedian has been playing on the Soccer Aid team since the 2023 event – we can't wait to see her smash it once more!
Podcaster and LGBTQ+ icon GK Barry will be making her first appearance on the pitch this year.
Former England footballer Toni is making her way to the Soccer Aid pitch, after having played for the likes of Everton, Manchester City and even Barcelona and Madrid.
Known as one of the best centre-backs in the world during her footballing career, Steph is back on the pitch with a vengeance.
We can't wait to see the Adolescence and Wuthering Heights star hit the pitch. “I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year,” he has said. "I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan!
"Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I'm excited to step out at the London Stadium on Sunday 31st May. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I'm grateful to be part of such an important cause."
After his big return in The Night Manager back in January, we are buzzing to see T-Hiddles tear it up for Soccer Aid.
Football superstar turned much-loved pundit, manager and head coach of EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle Wayne Rooney will be gracing the Soccer Aid world this year.
“I can’t wait for this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the twentieth anniversary," he has said. "It’s England against World XI at the London Stadium on 31st May and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for UNICEF always is. The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.
“Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children’s lives around the world.”
Yes, the Made In Chelsea star is hoping to score for charity. We're excited to see whether he succeeds.
The voice of the Gillette advert as well as many pop anthems Tom Grennan is joining the England Soccer Aid line-up.
If you haven't watched Damson Idris in TV series Snowfall – which explores a cocaine drug epidemic in LA in the 1980s – catch it on Disney+ ASAP. We're excited for his performance on Soccer Aid, seeing as he put on a hell of a show as the Snowfall protagonist.
The I'm A Celeb star and YouTuber is making a reality TV return, this time sporty style.
TV personality, rapper, singer and songwriter Big Zuu is continuing his journey by joining the Soccer Aid team.
The ultimate Celebrity Traitors Faithful is set to be a truly exciting player for this year's match as a celebrity goalkeeper.
Our fave Gladiators and Strictly star is getting into a truly different game and we love to see it.
England football star Theo Walcott will also be joining the Soccer Aid ranks – fittingly on the England team.
This will be comedian and presenter Paddy's tenth Soccer Aid appearance, sharing the keeper's gloves with Joe Marler.
Murs returns for Soccer Aid 2026 after knee surgery put him on the sidelines, making this year his eighth appearance.
After becoming the first physically disabled player in Soccer Aid history in 2022, Alex is set to return to the pitch for his fifth appearance.
Presenter Jordan is “swapping the studio for the stadium” and has already admitted he is "excited" and “slightly terrified” as a huge football fan himself.
The former England goalkeeper has posted on Instagram that he “can’t wait to be back between the sticks” for Soccer Aid's England team.
Defoe joins the ranks of football legends playing in the much-loved charity football match.
Meet the Soccer Aid World XI squad:
She may be a five-time Women's Super League winner, but this year sees Jen make her Soccer Aid debut and we couldn't be more excited for the footie star.
Italian football star Leonardo is returning to Soccer Aid this year, and he's playing to win. He posted on Instagram: “One victory isn’t enough!”
Richard Gadd
Let's see if the Baby Reindeer is as much of a footie hit as he is as a TV storyteller and comedian.
Edwin Van Der Sar
Dutch keeper Edwin will play in goal for the Soccer Aid World XI squad.
Ali Krieger
Double World Cup champion Ali is making her Soccer Aid debut this year, and we are obsessed already.
Jordi Alba
The former Barcelona and Inter Miami left-back is set to make his Soccer Aid debut and we predict a corker.
Usain Bolt
Bolt will manage the Soccer Aid World XI team at the London Stadium, where he won his 2012 Olympic gold medals. Iconic.
Where can I get Soccer Aid 2026 tickets?
Premium tickets all the way to category 5 tickets – regular prices running from £20 and £10 for juniors – are available from the Soccer Aid website here.
