Evening Standard
·31 maggio 2026
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Yahoo sportsEvening Standard
·31 maggio 2026
Charity football match returns for a special anniversary this weekend
Soccer Aid is back today as England and a World XI clash once more at West Ham’s London Stadium.
The star-studded charity football event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year after its 2006 inception.
Founded by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, the match has raised more than £120million for UNICEF over the last two decades.
Previously, it had been a biennial affair, but since 2018, it has become a yearly occasion.
Last year, the World XI emerged victorious at Old Trafford, edging it 5-4 thanks to four goals from Carlos Tevez and a winning goal from Big Zuu.
The latest edition of Soccer Aid is scheduled for a 6.30pm BST kick-off today, Sunday, May 31, 2026.
The match will take place back at West Ham’s London Stadium, having briefly returned to Old Trafford in 2025 for the ninth time.
It has also been hosted by Stamford Bridge, Wembley and the Etihad Stadium.
Reigning champions: The World XI beat England at Old Trafford last year
Getty
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV1, with coverage starting at 5.30pm BST.
Live stream: You can also stream the match for free on the ITVX website and app, as well as through ITV’s official YouTube channel.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
For England, the legends this year include Wayne Rooney, Jill Scott, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott, Joe Hart, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Jack Wilshere.
On the celebrity side of things, Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, YouTuber Angry Ginge, Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson and Olly Murs are all confirmed for the Three Lions, plus ex-rugby union great Joe Marler-
Adolescence star Owen Cooper will become the youngest-ever player at Soccer Aid, featuring at just 16 years old.
Former players taking to the field for the World XI include ex-Chelsea midfielders Nemanja Matic and Michael Essien, Dimitar Berbatov, Lukas Podolski, Leonardo Bonucci, Jordi Alba, Tim Cahill and Edwin van der Sar.

Epic feat: England’s Olly Murs completed a five-day 400km challenge marking Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary
PA Wire
Robbie Williams will coach the England side, while Usain Bolt will take charge of the World XI.
Harry Redknapp and David Seaman are also down as coaches, as are Clarence Seedorf, Bradley Walsh and Judi Love.
Also playing are Maisie Adam, GK Barry, Jen Beattie, Alex Brooker, Chloe Burrows, Behzinga, Tobi Brown, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Frankie Dettori, Toni Duggan, Richard Gadd, Tom Grennan, Steph Houghton, Damson Idris, Paddy McGuinness, Nicky Byrne, Simon Neil, Jordan North, Chris O’Dowd, Dermot Kennedy, Ali Krieger, Molly McCann, Jade Moore, Nitro from Gladiators and Nabhaan Rizwan.
England wins: 6
World XI wins: 8
Tickets are still available for the game, with prices starting at £20 for adults and £10 for children.







































