Soccer Aid 2026 is set to kick off soon, promising a memorable event as it marks its 20th anniversary. The annual fundraiser, supporting global children's charity Unicef, has been held since 2006, and this year's edition is the 11th since it became an annual event in 2018.
Co-founded by pop star Robbie Williams and TV presenter Jonathan Wilkes, Soccer Aid aims to raise funds to ensure children grow up safe and healthy. Over the years, it has raised millions, providing life-changing support through the power of football.
When is Soccer Aid 2026?
Soccer Aid 2026 will take place on Sunday, May 31 at the London Stadium in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM British Summer Time.
How to Watch Soccer Aid 2026
The event will air on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and the STV Player from 5 PM to 9 PM on May 31. It will also be available on ITV's YouTube channel. In the lead-up, ITV will broadcast special programming celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid.
Celebrity Lineup for Soccer Aid 2026
This year's match features a star-studded lineup as the Legends take on the Celebs. The England squad includes football icons Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, and Jack Wilshere. They are joined by actors Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager) and Danny Dyer (Rivals), alongside fan favourites Angry Ginge, Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson, and Olly Murs.
Owen Cooper, star of Netflix's Adolescence, will make his debut as the youngest player ever to participate. Former rugby star Joe Marler, known from Celebrity Traitors, will debut in goal. The team is coached by Robbie Williams.
The Celebs team includes Gladiators' Nitro, Westlife's Nicky Byrne, singer Dermot Kennedy, Sidemen's Behzinga, and football legends Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, and Ali Krieger. They are coached by Olympic champion Usain Bolt.
Other participants include 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. More names are expected to be announced.
Soccer Aid 2026 airs on ITV1, ITVX, STV, and STV Player on Sunday, May 31 at 6 PM.
