Dozens of sports legends and celebrities will soon team up for Soccer Aid, with England facing off against the World XI squad to raise money for UNICEF.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the annual charity match was first founded in 2006 by Jonathan Wilkes and Robbie Williams, who will help manage England this year.
Due to take place on Sunday, May 31 at London Stadium, former footballers such as Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, and Jill Scott will play for England, alongside Nemanja Matić, Lukas Podolski, Leonardo Bonucci, Jen Beattie and more representing World XI.
Stars such as Danny Dyer, Olly Murs, Tom Hiddleston, and Owen Cooper will help represent their home country, while familiar faces including Biffy Clyro’s Simon Neil, Baby Reindeer creator Richard Gadd and Usain Bolt, who is coaching the squad, play for the rest of the world.
Last year, World XI took home the title after rapper and TV personality Big Zuu scored the winning goal at Old Trafford in Manchester, helping put the team narrowly ahead in terms of overall wins.
But if you’re planning on tuning in, here is every single star playing for England and World XI in Soccer Aid 2026.
5. Big Zuu — World XI
After scoring the winning goal for World XI at Soccer Aid in 2025, rapper, comedian and TV personality Big Zuu will return to the squad for this year’s competition. | Getty Images
6. Behzinga — World XI
A member of popular YouTube collective the Sidemen, English influencer Ethan Payne – AKA Behzinga — will make his debut at Soccer Aid on the World XI squad. | Getty Images for Netflix
7. Tobi Brown — World XI
Another Sidemen member, YouTuber Tobi Brown — AKA TBJZL — will be on the World XI squad for Soccer Aid 2026. | Getty Images for MOBO
8. Chris O'Dowd — World XI
Irish actor and comedian Chris O’Dowd – best known for roles in The IT Crowd, Bridesmaids and more – will play for World XI during Soccer Aid 2026. | UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures