Soccer Aid for UNICEF has revealed its full 2026 line-up, featuring a mix of footballers, celebrities, and former athletes, as the event marks its 20th anniversary. The charity match, scheduled for Sunday, May 31, will take place at the London Stadium and is expected to draw over 60,000 spectators. The event has raised over £121 million since its inception in 2006, with this year’s match aiming to break that record.

20th Anniversary Celebration and Legacy of ’66

The 2026 edition of Soccer Aid will commemorate both the 20th anniversary of the event and the 60th anniversary of England’s 1966 World Cup victory. The England squad will wear the legendary white home strip from the 1966 tournament when they face the Soccer Aid World XI in May. This symbolic gesture aims to honor the legacy of the historic victory while raising awareness for UNICEF’s global initiatives.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams will lead the England team. He will be joined by former rugby international Joe Marler, who will act as the celebrity goalkeeper. Paddy McGuinness, who has made nine appearances, will also share goalkeeping duties and will set a new record for appearances in the event’s history.

Tom Hiddleston, another UNICEF UK Ambassador, will return to the pitch and has pledged to pass the ball to a professional the moment it comes his way. Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney will provide on-field leadership and expertise, alongside several first-time participants, including 16-year-old Owen Cooper, the Netflix star who wasn’t born when Soccer Aid began in 2006.

Celebrity Line-Up and Special Performances

The event’s celebrity line-up includes a mix of sports personalities, actors, and musicians. Damson Idris, known for his role in the F1 film, becomes the third actor to join the line-up. The London native, who once dreamed of being a professional footballer, is excited to play alongside his childhood idols.

GK Barry, a personality from I’m A Celebrity and Loose Women, is seeking advice from her partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC. The I’m A Celebrity connection continues with Capital FM Breakfast presenter Jordan North, who will make his debut. North, a Burnley supporter, is hoping to form a formidable partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge, the 2025 I’m A Celebrity champion.

For the first time, sprint legend Usain Bolt will take on the role of manager for the Soccer Aid World XI FC. The Jamaican superstar, who won gold in the 2012 London Olympics, will oversee a team that includes Big Zuu, the match-winner from 2025, as well as two of the most accomplished players in recent women’s football history: Scotland’s Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger, a two-time World Cup champion with the U.S.

Robbie Williams expressed his pride in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF, saying, “I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for UNICEF this year, it’s one of the most important things to me. Last year’s event raised more money than ever and £121 million raised since we started – genuinely life-changing. Let’s hope we can break the record again this year. Can’t wait to see you there!”

Charitable Impact and Future Goals

The funds raised from this year’s match could aid UNICEF in providing life-changing support to children globally, such as clean water, essential vaccinations, or educational opportunities. Philip Goodwin, chief executive of UNICEF UK, emphasized the importance of the event: “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.”

He continued, “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. We are so grateful to everyone who buys a ticket and supports this year’s event. Together, we can help give more children the safe, healthy childhood they deserve.”

Tickets for the match are now available at socceraid.org.uk/tickets, with adult tickets starting from £20 and junior tickets from £10. All tickets include entry to a pre-match ‘Fan Zone’. The complete list of confirmed participants includes names such as Robbie Williams, Wayne Rooney, Usain Bolt, GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Angry Ginge, Tom Hiddleston, Jordan North, and many others.