Soccer Aid returns for its 2026 edition with England taking on a World XI in a charity football match held at the London Stadium.The fixture, which has become a staple of the sporting and entertainment calendar, celebrates its 20th anniversary this year and continues to raise significant funds for UNICEF, with more than £121 million collected since its inception.Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30pm BST, with coverage and updates available throughout the evening.England are once again managed by a trio of well-known figures: Robbie Williams, Harry Redknapp and former goalkeeper David Seaman.

Their squad blends retired professional footballers with celebrities, including Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott and Joe Hart, alongside entertainers such as Tom Hiddleston, Olly Murs and Jack Whitehall.The World XI is similarly star-studded and managed jointly by Clarence Seedorf and Usain Bolt.

Their squad features former elite players such as Leonardo Bonucci, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Essien, Nemanja Matic and Edwin van der Sar, as well as personalities from sport and entertainment including YouTubers, actors, musicians and athletes like Dermot Kennedy, Chris O’Dowd, Nicky Byrne and Frankie Dettori.The match is designed as a light-hearted but competitive exhibition, bringing together global celebrities and retired professionals for charity.

Organisers continue to highlight its popularity and its role in supporting UNICEF’s global work, while fans tune in for entertainment, nostalgia and the unique mix of sporting and celebrity talent on display.