The countdown has begun for one of the most anticipated sporting events on the charity calendar: the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. Set to take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the iconic London Stadium, this year’s edition promises to be bigger, bolder, and more star-studded than ever before. With 33 all-star names already confirmed, a record crowd of over 60,000 fans is expected to fill the stands, all rallying for a cause that has, over two decades, raised more than £121 million for UNICEF’s life-changing work with children worldwide.
Soccer Aid has always been about more than just football. It’s a celebration of community, camaraderie, and giving back. This year’s milestone match will see Team England, managed by Soccer Aid co-founder and pop superstar Robbie Williams, face off against the Soccer Aid World XI FC, led by none other than Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt. The rivalry is fierce—since the inaugural match in 2006, the World XI holds the edge with eight victories to England’s six, making this anniversary clash one to watch.
Among the headline-grabbing stories this year is the historic inclusion of Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old star of Netflix’s Adolescence. Cooper will become the youngest player ever to participate in Soccer Aid, a fact that’s not lost on him. "I’m incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year. 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 31 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," Cooper shared, brimming with enthusiasm ahead of his debut.
He’s not alone in feeling the weight of the moment. The England squad features a blend of seasoned legends and fresh faces. Alongside Cooper, new debutants include actor Damson Idris, internet personality GK Barry, former rugby player and Celebrity Traitors star Joe Marler, radio DJ Jordan North, and Gladiator Nitro—known off the pitch as Harry Aikines-Aryeetey. Marler, swapping rugby for football, joked about his new role: "I have to play in goal so that I can pick the ball up – otherwise, I’ll forget." North, meanwhile, admitted he was "privileged, excited and slightly terrified" to be joining the lineup, while Aikines-Aryeetey called the chance to play "a dream come true."
Returning England favorites add even more star power: former Lionesses captain Jill Scott, comedian and record appearance holder Paddy McGuinness, chart-topping singer Olly Murs, actor Tom Hiddleston, singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, reality TV star Sam Thompson, and football icons Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott, Toni Duggan, and Steph Houghton. The England squad will don the iconic white home kit from the 1966 World Cup, a nod to the 60th anniversary of England’s greatest football triumph.
Across the pitch, the Soccer Aid World XI FC boasts an equally dazzling roster. Usain Bolt, who famously won three Olympic gold medals at the London Stadium, returns as manager, declaring, "Everyone knows my record at the London Stadium. See you in May, Robbie." The World XI will feature former Barcelona and Inter Miami left-back Jordi Alba, making his Soccer Aid debut, as well as legendary Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci, comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd, and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker.
Women’s football is front and center this year, with Scotland’s Jen Beattie and two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Ali Krieger (USA) joining the World XI for the first time. Alba, reflecting on his participation, said, "I’m very pleased to be making my debut for the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF. I know that many special players have taken part over the years and for me to play in the twentieth anniversary of the event will be a great pleasure. Growing up playing football was a wonderful experience for me and it is so important that we raise funds to continue to help all children around the world to play and thrive."
The match itself will be played with the adidas Trionda ball—the same model set to be used in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—making this a true preview of football’s future. The World XI will wear a bespoke Adidas kit, adding to the sense of occasion and spectacle. And with a special extended half-time show planned, the entertainment won’t stop at the whistle. Previous years have featured performances by Robbie Williams, Rita Ora, Tom Grennan, Dermot Kennedy, and Tom Walker; this year’s lineup is still under wraps, but expectations are sky-high.
Hosting duties will be handled by UNICEF UK ambassador and This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary, alongside sports presenter and former footballer Alex Scott. Sam Matterface returns as commentator, bringing his signature energy to the live broadcast on ITV1, STV, and ITVX. The show will be produced by Initial, part of Banijay UK, ensuring a polished and engaging viewing experience for fans at home.
The impact of Soccer Aid extends far beyond the pitch. As UNICEF UK CEO Philip Goodwin put it, "For the past twenty years, Soccer Aid for UNICEF has united fans, players and communities around one shared goal: to make sure every child can grow up safe, healthy and able to play. Play is at the heart of childhood — it’s how children explore, learn and imagine a world full of possibility. But for millions of children living through conflict, disaster and disease and now the impact of aid cuts, even this simple, joyful part of childhood is under threat. Soccer Aid for UNICEF is about changing that. Every ticket bought and every pound raised helps UNICEF protect play for children everywhere — by providing clean water, healthcare, education and the support they need to thrive."
Tickets for the 20th anniversary match are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets, with prices starting at £20 for adults and £10 for juniors. Each ticket includes access to a pre-game Fan Zone, adding another layer of excitement for attendees. With more celebrity participants and half-time performers yet to be announced, anticipation is only set to grow as May 31 approaches.
As Soccer Aid for UNICEF gears up for its landmark anniversary, the event stands as a testament to the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive real change. Whether you’re a football fanatic, a celebrity spotter, or simply someone who believes in the cause, this year’s Soccer Aid is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration—on and off the pitch.