Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns in 2026 for its twentieth anniversary

A-Listers out in force as world’s biggest celebrity football match set to celebrate twentieth anniversary –and smash massive £121m donations record!

• Robbie Williams, who co-founded Soccer Aid, will manage England
  “Soccer Aid for UNICEF is one the most important things to me”
• Damson Idris, the F1 film star, swaps the starting grid for the starting lineup!
  “This is a boyhood dream! I have watched in awe over the years”
• Usain Bolt will go head-to-head with Robbie as World XI Manager
  “Everyone knows my record at the London Stadium. See you in May, Robbie”
• Wayne Rooney salutes Soccer Aid as the perfect family day out
  “Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere at Soccer Aid for UNICEF”
• Tom Hiddleston will complete a hattrick of appearances this May
  “I will heed the advice: if you get the ball, just pass it to a pro!”
• Owen Cooper will be the youngest-ever player to take part – aged just 16!
  “I wasn’t born when the first Soccer Aid took place – but I’m a big fan!”
• GK Barry makes her debut – but isn’t playing as a goal-keeper!
  “I’m ready to embarrass myself, at least it will raise money for charity”
• Joe Marler is leaving behind the oval-shaped ball, for the rounder one!
  “I have to play in goal so that I can pick the ball up – otherwise, I’ll forget”
• Nitro will bring the energy that has won him fans on Gladiators and Strictly
  “Supporting UNICEF’s life-changing work means so much to me”
• Jordan North is another debutant – and is battling his nerves!
  “I’m privileged, excited – and slightly terrified – to be making my debut!”
• Paddy McGuinness will become the all-time record appearance holder
  “Ten Soccer Aid appearances – and counting! I cannot wait!”
• Olly Murs returns after several years away following knee surgery
  “I’m back! I love everything about Soccer Aid. It’s my eighth appearance”

• The match will take place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium
• Stadium will be configured in ‘football mode’ – meaning closest view for fans
• 33 names were announced today, including nine debutants – more to follow!
• Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £121 million for UNICEF since 2006
• Since the first match, England have won six times and the World XI eight
• The game will air live and exclusively on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player
• Soccer Aid World XI FC will wear a bespoke adidas kit – proceeds to UNICEF
• The game will be played with the adidas Trionda ball – the first time the ball will be used outside of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• A special twentieth anniversary extended half-time entertainment show will be announced in due course, as will Fan Zone details
• The game is supported by partners including, Primark; EA Sports FC; adidas, Chery and Yoto
• Tickets for the game are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets – adult tickets from £20 and juniors from £10, unbelievable value!

London, 3rd March 2026 – Robbie Williams; Tom Hiddleston; Wayne Rooney; Damson Idris; Owen Cooper; GK Barry; Usain Bolt; Angry Ginge; Jordan North; Joe Marler; Olly Murs; Paddy McGuinness; Big Zuu; Richard Gadd; Maisie Adam and Gladiator Nitro are just some of the stellar names who will be roared on by more than 60,000 Soccer Aid for UNICEF fans at the London Stadium this May.

33 players were announced today – including nine debutants, both hosts and the match commentator – for the world’s biggest celebrity football match. This is the twentieth anniversary of the game, which has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF since the first match in 2006. Tickets are on sale for this summer’s fixture – Adults £20 and Juniors £10 – and include access to a pre-game ‘Fan Zone’.

A special twentieth anniversary extended half-time show will also be announced in due course. Previous performers include Rita Ora; Robbie Williams; Tom Grennan; Dermot Kennedy and Tom Walker. On the 60th anniversary of England’s World Cup triumph, the Three Lions are choosing to channel the spirit of ’66 by wearing the iconic white home kit from the same tournament, when they take on the Soccer Aid World XI.

UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams will manage England. He will be able to call on man-mountain Joe Marler as his celebrity goalkeeper. The Traitors star will share the gloves with Paddy McGuinness who will become the record appearance holder, when he takes to the pitch. The comedian has, so far, appeared nine times. Hollywood superstar and UNICEF UK Ambassador Tom Hiddleston is back – and vowing to pass the ball to a professional, as soon as he is in possession!

Wayne Rooney – one of England’s greatest-ever players – will provide on-pitch leadership and skill, bringing together more debutants in the shape of 16-year-old Owen Cooper, star of Netflix’s Adolescence. Cooper was not even born when the first Soccer Aid took place in 2006!

Star of the F1 film, Damson Idris is the third star actor to sign-up. The Londoner – who dreamed of becoming a professional footballer – is relishing taking to the pitch with footballers he grew-up supporting.

GK Barry is taking tips from her footballer partner Ella Rutherford, who plays for Portsmouth FC, but has admitted her lack of football prowess might mean she ends up embarrassing herself in the name of charity!

There is an I’m a Celeb theme too, with Jordan North also playing for the first time. The Burnley fan will be hoping to form a powerhouse partnership with fellow northerner Angry Ginge – who was the 2025 Player of the Match.

Usain Bolt will, for the first time, manage the Soccer Aid World XI FC. The sprint king is back at the scene of his 2012 London Olympics gold rush. The Jamaican already has incredible attacking talent to choose from in the form of 2025’s match winner, Big Zuu. He will be joined by two of the best players in women’s football in recent years in the shape of Scotland’s Jen Beattie and two-time World Cup winning US international, Ali Krieger.

The World XI are also building a defensively sound team too. In goal will be legendary Dutch ‘keeper Edwin van der Sar, with Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci alongside debutant Jordi Alba – one of the most gifted and decorated defenders of his generation.

UNICEF UK Ambassador and Soccer Aid co-founder, Robbie Williams, said: “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!”

Wayne Rooney said: “I can’t wait for this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the twentieth anniversary. It’s England against World XI at the London Stadium on 31st May and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for UNICEF always is. The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.

“Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children’s lives around the world.”

Usain Bolt said: “I’m delighted to be back at Soccer Aid for UNICEF, this time as World XI Manager. I’ve seen the team sheet and am thrilled to have footballing greats like Jordi Alba and Leonardo Bonucci along with exciting talent from music, TV and film. We’re going for gold at the London Stadium and want to break records, raising as much money as possible to help UNICEF support children around the world. Everyone knows my record at the London Stadium. See you there, Robbie!”

GK Barry said: “I am absolutely terrified to be taking part in Soccer Aid but it’s for such an important cause, so there was no way I could say no! From being a WAG with a prosecco on the side of the pitch to getting my studs on, Ella’s been teaching me everything she knows so I’m as ready as I can be for game day. UNICEF is an incredible charity, so please show your support and buy tickets. I never thought I’d be doing anything as scary as I’m a Celeb again, but I’d say this is even more terrifying! So, here we are, I’m ready to embarrass myself in front of thousands of people again but at least it will raise money for charity this time. I can’t wait to see you all there!”

Owen Cooper said: “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 31st 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.”

Damson Idris said: “One of my boyhood dreams was to play professional football and I’ve watched Soccer Aid in awe over the years so I can’t quite believe I will join the England team at Soccer Aid for UNICEF. To walk out on the pitch on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium amongst football legends like Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar and Theo Walcott will be very special. Even more so that we’re playing for an amazing cause, UNICEF raises money for children all around the world. I hope to see you there.”

Angry Ginge said: “To be named Player of the Match in Soccer Aid for UNICEF ‘25 at the Theatre of Dreams last year was a dream accomplished, so I’m absolutely ecstatic to return on Sunday 31st May. More than anything, this time I want to follow up being King of the Jungle on ITV with an England win at the London Stadium. Make sure you all buy your tickets for the world’s biggest celebrity football match. We’re playing for an amazing cause. Soccer Aid raises money for UNICEF and its vital work for children all around the world.”

Tom Hiddleston said: “I’m honoured to be back on the pitch at Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026. We’ll see if I can manage the full 90 minutes but either way I will heed the advice that: ‘if you get the ball, pass it to a pro!’ I’m proud to be a UNICEF UK Ambassador and having travelled to South Sudan, I’ve seen the impact that war and disease have on communities and children, disrupting their childhoods. With an incredible £121 million raised in 20 years, this game really does change children’s lives, as UNICEF makes sure they can grow up safe, healthy and able to play. We want to raise as much money as we can this year, so I hope to see as many people as possible come together at the London Stadium on Sunday 31st May.”

Jordan North said: “I’m privileged, excited – and slightly terrified! – to be making my debut for Soccer Aid for UNICEF on Sunday 31st May. I can’t wait for my family to watch me play at the London Stadium. Sharing a pitch with football legends will be up there with Burnley winning promotion to the Premier League. Most importantly, money raised will support UNICEF’s work protecting play for children all over the world and I can’t wait to be a part of it. Please buy your tickets and support this amazing cause.”

Nitro said: “It’s an absolute dream come true for me to be playing in Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026. I’m a massive football fan and a big kid at heart. I’ve never stopped playing, whether that’s been on the playground, the athletics track, the Gladiator arena — and now the football pitch. I’ve watched Soccer Aid for years and now I get to share the experience of being involved with my daughter, who’s even more excited than I am!

“Fellow Gladiator Diamond, who played last year, told me it’s one of the best things she’s ever done. Childhood should be all about play, imagination and fun but for so many children around the world that freedom is taken away by things completely outside their control, like conflict, disease and disasters. That’s why being part of this incredible match, playing alongside legends of the game and supporting UNICEF’s life-changing work, means so much to me. I’m proud to be involved and I hope we can raise even more than last year. Please come and support us on Sunday 31st May.”

More famous faces are set to be revealed in the coming weeks but those announced today for the Soccer Aid World XI FC are: Usain Bolt (Manager); Edwin van der Sar (Professional Goalkeeper); Jordi Alba; Maisie Adam; Jen Beattie; Leonardo Bonucci; Richard Gadd; Ali Krieger; Gladiator Nitro and Big Zuu.

For England: Robbie Williams (Manager); Joe Hart (Professional Goalkeeper); Joe Marler (Celebrity Goalkeeper); Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper); GK Barry; Alex Brooker; Owen Cooper; Jermain Defoe; Toni Duggan; Angry Ginge; Tom Grennan; Tom Hiddleston; Steph Houghton; Damson Idris; Olly Murs; Jordan North; Wayne Rooney; Jill Scott; Sam Thompson and Theo Walcott.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF will be live on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, hosted by UNICEF UK Ambassador Dermot O’Leary and UNICEF UK High Profile Supporter, Alex Scott MBE. Sam Matterface returns as Commentator. The ITV show will be produced by Initial – part of Banijay UK.

Since 2006 – when UNICEF UK Ambassador Robbie Williams co-founded the concept – Soccer Aid for UNICEF has raised over £121 million, all supporting UNICEF’s vital work for children around the world to grow up safe, healthy and able to play. The money raised from this year’s game could help UNICEF work with families, communities and trusted partners to bring life-changing support to children around the world, like clean water, vital vaccinations or the opportunity to learn, so that every child can get the best start in life.

Philip Goodwin, UNICEF UK CEO, said: “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. 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.”

Kenneth Shepherd, Executive Director, Soccer Aid Productions, said: “On Sunday 31st March, at the London Stadium, the twentieth anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF will take place. Two decades of our match have raised more than £121m for UNICEF, which is incredible. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever before. This is because we have the very best players, from the worlds of sport and entertainment, on the same pitch. It will be a fantastic day.

“Thanks should go to the London Stadium, ITV, Initial (part of Banijay UK) and, of course, UNICEF who come together – with many other stakeholders – to put on a game of football, which we all know is so much more than that. A special thanks to our Partners: Primark; EA Sports FC; adidas; Chery and Yoto – with more to come.

“The golden thread that connects every Soccer Aid for UNICEF game is the extraordinary generosity of the Great British public. It is so important that of all the many thank you messages, the biggest is reserved for you. Your continued support in buying tickets and donating is humbling. Thank you!”

Graham Gilmore, London Stadium CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome back Soccer Aid for UNICEF to London Stadium for the twentieth anniversary this summer. We are looking forward to playing our part in putting on a spectacle for the fans, with an incredible list of ex-players and celebrities due to take part. I am sure memories of London 2012 will come flooding back, when Usain Bolt returns to the Stadium once more, the scene of his three Olympic golds.

“Most importantly, we are committed to raising funds for UNICEF and supporting the organisation’s life changing work for children globally. It promises to be a special moment to kick-off our summer of events.”

Soccer Aid for UNICEF is delighted to welcome back returning Principal Partners Primark; EA Sports FC and adidas who are joined by new Principal Partner, Chery. Yoto return as Official Partner.

Tickets for the game are on sale now via socceraid.org.uk/tickets – adult tickets from £20 and juniors from £10. Tickets include access to a pre-game ‘Fan Zone’.

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For more information, please contact:  

UNICEF UK Media team at [email protected] or 0208 375 6030.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

For more information visit unicef.org.uk.

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ENDS