Wembley Stadium is once again the epicenter of digital entertainment and philanthropy as the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 kicks off this afternoon, Saturday, April 18. Now in its tenth year, this annual football spectacle has transformed from a humble gathering of YouTube creators into a global phenomenon, raising more than £8 million for charitable causes and drawing millions of viewers from every corner of the world.
It’s hard to overstate just how much anticipation has built around this year’s match. The event, founded by the Sidemen in 2016, has consistently delivered both high-octane football and heartwarming generosity. Last year’s edition set a dizzying standard: a 9-9 regular-time draw, eight million live YouTube viewers, and a dramatic penalty shootout that saw the YouTube Allstars edge out Sidemen FC 5-4. The match raised an astonishing £4.7 million for charity, and this year, the stakes—and expectations—are even higher.
Tickets for the 2026 showdown sold out in record time. An incredible 90,000 seats at Wembley were snapped up in less than three hours, a testament to the event’s soaring popularity. The proceeds, as always, will benefit Bright Side and M7 Education, the latter founded by Sidemen’s own Simon “Miniminter” Minter and his brother Nick. The spirit of giving is at the heart of this contest, and fans have responded with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. BST, with pre-match coverage starting an hour earlier. For those not lucky enough to secure a ticket, the entire event is available to stream live and free on the Sidemen’s official YouTube channel. That’s right—no pay-per-view charges, no hidden fees. Just a click away, fans can catch all the action, drama, and laughs from the comfort of their living rooms, whether on their smartphones, computers, or smart TVs.
The 2026 edition brings a twist that’s already the talk of the internet. For the first time, three Sidemen members—KSI, Miniminter, and Behzinga—have switched allegiances to play for the YouTube Allstars. This shake-up, designed to balance the competition and keep fans guessing, has injected new intrigue into the rivalry. As KSI told talkSPORT, "With this charity match, we thought we'd change it up. Normally, the Sidemen are in one team, and we're up against different players in YouTube All Stars. But this time, three of us have moved to YouTube All Stars. So, me, Simon, Ethan are now in YouTube All Stars, whereas the rest are in Sidemen. It's going to be a lot more competitive, and it's going to be intriguing to see which goals the fans celebrate more and who people want to win. It's going to be a good time in general. It's always quite entertaining, and it's always a fun time with these charity matches. Everyone always leaves with a smile on their face."
Let’s break down the line-ups and the managers guiding these star-studded squads. Sidemen FC, under the stewardship of Jack Joseph, features a mix of returning fan favorites and fresh faces: Deji, Marlon, Zerkaa, Arthur TV, Aminematue, ChrisMD, xQc, Adapt, Jynxzi, TBJZL, Niko Omilana, AB, AJ Shabeel, LazarBeam, Lacy, Wroetoshaw, and Vikkstar123. Their opponents, the YouTube Allstars, are managed by Calfreezy and captained by KSI, with a roster boasting Miniminter, Behzinga, Angry Ginge, Stable Ronaldo, Squeezie, MrWhosetheboss, JasonTheWeen, ItalianBach, Ibai, George Clarke, Danny Aarons, Chazza, CarryMinati, Sketch, WillNE, Max Fosh, Nykchazza, Fanum, El Rubius, and Jasontheween. It’s a dizzying array of internet royalty, each bringing their own flair to the pitch.
One notable absence this year is Logan Paul and iShowSpeed, both of whom are otherwise engaged at WWE WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Their absence is certainly felt, but the stacked line-ups ensure the entertainment factor remains sky-high. Commentary duties fall to YouTube legends Spencer FC and Stephen Tries, promising both sharp insights and plenty of laughs throughout the broadcast.
For those new to the Sidemen Charity Match, the format is simple but effective. There’s no extra time—if the score is tied after 90 minutes, the contest heads straight to penalties. This rule, introduced last year, only adds to the drama and unpredictability, as seen in the 2025 edition’s nail-biting finish. And with the Sidemen holding four wins to the YouTube Allstars’ two (not counting last year’s shootout), the competitive fire is burning brighter than ever.
It’s not just about the football, though. The Sidemen Charity Match is a celebration of community, creativity, and the power of digital influence. Over the past decade, the event has demonstrated how YouTubers and online personalities can leverage their platforms for good, channeling their reach and popularity into tangible, life-changing support for those in need. The charities chosen each year reflect the Sidemen’s commitment to education, opportunity, and brighter futures for all.
The pre-match festivities are a show in themselves, with fans encouraged to tune in early for player arrivals, warm-ups, and the ever-entertaining opening ceremony. The atmosphere at Wembley is electric, and the sense of camaraderie—both on the pitch and in the stands—is palpable. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan, a loyal Sidemen supporter, or just tuning in for the spectacle, there’s something here for everyone.
As the teams prepare to walk out onto the hallowed turf, one can’t help but wonder: will this year’s match top the chaos and excitement of 2025? Will the Allstars’ new Sidemen recruits tip the balance, or will Sidemen FC reclaim their dominance? With the action about to unfold, one thing’s for sure—this is must-watch viewing for anyone who loves football, digital culture, or simply a good cause.
With the stadium packed, millions more watching online, and the world’s biggest internet stars ready to do battle, the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 is poised to be another unforgettable chapter in this remarkable story. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds at Wembley—because in this match, anything can happen, and everyone wins when the final whistle blows for charity.