Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger to make Soccer Aid debuts, Lionesses legends return | OneFootball

Five-time Women’s Super League winner Jen Beattie and double World Cup champion Ali Krieger will make their Soccer Aid debuts this year.

The duo have been confirmed as part of the star-studded 2026 roster and will represent the World XI. Former USWNT defender Krieger announced her retirement from professional football after winning the 2023 NWSL Championship with Gotham FC. Scotland and Arsenal icon Beattie hung up her boots in January 2025.

Beattie and Krieger join Barcelona men’s legend Jordi Alba as the football debutants announced for this year so far. The trio will look to inspire another win for the World XI, following their 2025 triumph at Old Trafford.

“I’m excited to make my debut for the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF,” said Krieger. “Even with the experience of over 100 US caps and winning two World Cups, this will be a whole new experience for me.

“Sharing the field with legends of the men’s and women’s game and stars from stage and screen will be exciting. As a mom of two, I’m proud to play for this amazing cause because the money raised by UNICEF truly changes the game for children around the world.”

Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger join Lionesses legends at Soccer Aid 2026

A dazzling list of professionals and celebrities has already been confirmed for this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF. More names will be announced in due course. Beattie and Krieger are currently two of five confirmed former women’s players due to take part.

Lionesses legends Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan and Euro 2022 winner Jill Scott will return to the England squad. All three represented England last year and Duggan got herself on the scoresheet in the thrilling nine-goal spectacle. The former Everton and Manchester City star is just the second woman to ever score in a Soccer Aid match, after Ellen White became the first in 2024.

This year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF will mark the 20th anniversary of the event. It will be held at the London Stadium on May 31st.

Embed from Getty Images

Soccer Aid 2026 England and World XI squads so far

Other former professionals confirmed for Soccer Aid 2026 include Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe and Edwin van der Sar. They will join regular Soccer Aid celebrity stars including Alex Brooker, Tom Grennan and Maisie Adam.

Soccer Aid founder Robbie Williams will manage the England team while eight-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt will be in the World XI dugout. Here are all the confirmed professionals and celebrities taking part so far.

England: Joe Hart, Joe Marler, Paddy McGuinness, 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, Theo Walcott.

Soccer Aid World XI FC: Edwin van der Sar, Jordi Alba, Maisie Adam, Jen Beattie, Leonardo Bonucci, Richard Gadd, Ali Krieger, Gladiator Nitro, Big Zuu.

The twentieth anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31st May at the London Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.