Football icons, social media stars, and spectators will unite for the second annual Match for Hope charity football event, set to kick off this Friday at the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar. Following the impressive success of last year, which raised £8.8 million to support out-of-school children through Education Above All (EAA), this edition promises to be even more spectacular.
The inaugural Match for Hope managed to attract 35,000 live spectators, complemented by 22.5 million viewers worldwide who tuned in to watch the riveting clash, wherein Team Chunkz narrowly defeated Team AboFlah 7-5. This year, with the same goal of supporting children’s education around the globe, excitement continues to build as fans anticipate watching their favorite stars on the pitch again.
This year's star-studded lineups feature prominent figures from both the football and influencer worlds. Team KSI, co-captained by the popular YouTuber and football fan KSI alongside fellow streamer AboFlah, includes football legends such as Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry, and manager Arsène Wenger. On the opposite side, Team Chunkz, co-captained by Chunkz and popular streamer iShowSpeed, boasts stars like Andrés Iniesta and David Silva, along with coach Tim Cahill.
The Match for Hope combines the allure of football with philanthropy, aiming to provide educational support for children across various countries, including Palestine, Sudan, Mali, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Pakistan. The overarching goal is not just sporting glory but making real change, exemplified by last year’s funds which benefited over 70,000 children.
This charity event exemplifies the intersection of sport and social impact, embodying not only competition but also community support and benevolence. Notably, as the event progresses, social media will likely buzz with highlights—and moments of levity—such as KSI's unexpected own goal, which occurred just eight minutes after the kickoff.
During the match, KSI's blunder led to moments of chaos and laughter. Misjudging his clearance during iShowSpeed’s cross, he inadvertently scored against his own team, leaving fans amazed and opponents celebrating. Fans took to social media, dubbing it "the most KSI thing to happen" and detailing reactions, with one user calling it “the worst own goal ever.” Despite KSI's misfortune, the game retained its electric energy, with six goals netted before halftime.
Despite the embarrassments and laughter, the focus remains unwavering on supporting education for those who need it most. The blend of star-power and altruistic intent keeps both athletes and fans engaged, making Match for Hope not only about skillful play but also about raising millions for those less fortunate. The event culminates this evening with hopes of surpassing last year’s impressive fundraising total.
For those wanting to catch the action, Match for Hope 2025 will be broadcast live on BeIN Sports, continuing to expand its reach globally, even as the UK market remains without coverage this year. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 PM GMT, providing fans worldwide with the opportunity to witness this grand convergence of philanthropy and entertainment.
With the event just hours away, anticipation fills the air as fans prepare to cheer for their favorite stars, hear touching stories of how these funds change lives, and enjoy a match infused with goodwill and camaraderie.
Match for Hope is more than just another charity football match. It’s about making education accessible for every child, one kick at a time. Those involved are eager to contribute their skills for this worthy cause, showcasing their talents, as well as their commitment to ensuring the dreams of young learners around the world are fulfilled.