Unicef’s annual charity fundraiser, Soccer Aid, will have some very famous names taking part this year
08:17, 25 May 2026Updated 08:45, 25 May 2026
Soccer Aid marks its 20th anniversary this year(Image: ITV)
Soccer Aid 2026 will be kicking off very soon and promises to be a memorable event.
The yearly fundraiser is in aid of global children’s charity Unicef and has been taking place since 2006, and 2026 marks the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid.
Soccer Aid was co-founded by pop star Robbie Williams and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes. The event aims to raise money for children to grow up safe and healthy.
The fundraiser took place initially every two years, but since 2018 it has taking place annually – and this year is Soccer Aid XI.
Over the years, Soccer Aid has raised millions, bringing life-changing support to children through the power of football.
Here’s everything you need to know about Soccer Aid 2026 from when you can watch it to the famous faces participating in the competition this year.
Soccer Aid 2026 will see some big names taking to the pitch to raise money(Image: ITV)
When is Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid 2026 will be taking place on Sunday, May 31 at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Kick off time is at 6.30pm, British Summer Time.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid 2026 will be airing on ITV1, ITVX, STV and the STV Player on Sunday, May 31 from 5pm and is scheduled to go on until 9pm.
You can watch Soccer Aid 2026 on ITV1 and STV or stream on ITVX and the STV Player, as well as being available on ITV’s YouTube channel.
In the run-up to the big event at the weekend, ITV will be airing special programming to mark 20 years of Soccer Aid.
Who is in the Soccer Aid 2026 celebrity line-up?
This year’s Soccer Aid will featuring a glittering line-up of stars as the Legends take on the Celebs in what promises to be an epic clash.
The England squad will feature football legends Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Jack Wilshere, who are all donning the Lions shirt.
Joining them will be The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston and Rivals actor Danny Dyer, alongside fan favourites Angry Ginge, Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson and Olly Murs.
Award-winning star of Netflix’s Adolescence Owen Cooper will also be making his debut, becoming the youngest player ever to participate in Soccer Aid.
Soccer Aid 2026 will feature a glitter line-up this year(Image: ITV)
Former Rugby Union star and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler will make his debut in goal.
They have been coached by Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams.
Meanwhile, this year’s Celebs team includes Nitro from Gladiators, Westlife’s Nicky Byrne, singer-songwriter Dermot Kennedy and Sidemen’s Behzinga, alongside football icons Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci and Ali Krieger.
They have been coached by Soccer Aid veteran and Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
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Other names announced to be taking part are Maisie Adam, GK Barry, Jen Beattie, Dimitar Berbatov, Alex Brooker, Chloe Burrows, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Frankie Dettori, Toni Dugan, Michael Essien, Richard Gadd, Tom Grennan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Damson Idris, Nemanja Matić, Paddy McGuinness, Simon Neil, Jordan North, Chris O’Dowd, Nabhaan Rizwan, Edwin van Der Sar, and Theo Walcott.
Further names are expected to be announced to this year’s line-up.
Soccer Aid 2026 will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player on Sunday, May 31 at 5pm and kick-off is from 6.30pm BST
