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.
-World-XI.jpeg?trim=118,0,1424,0&crop=&width=800)
25. Clarence Seedorf (manager) — World XI
Dutch former footballer and four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf will manage World XI for this year’s event. | Getty Images
26. Robbie Williams — England
A co-founder of Soccer Aid, Robbie Williams will coach England’s team during this year’s event. | UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures
27. Owen Cooper — England
Multi-award winning Adolescence and Wuthering Heights actor Owen Cooper will make history as the youngest player to appear in a Soccer Aid match aged just 16. | UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures
28. Tom Hiddleston — England
Hollywood star Tom Hiddleston, who is known for roles such as Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will play for England during this year’s charity match. | UNICEF/Soccer Aid Productions/Stella Pictures