Soccer Aid 2026 lineups confirmed as Wayne Rooney and co. mark the anniversay of England's World Cup win

Martin Macdonald

• 3 Mar 2026 04:45 CST
• 3 min read

News

Various ex-footballers and celebrities have been confirmed in the squads for the upcoming 2026 Soccer Aid charity match.

The first edition of Soccer Aid took place in 2026 and the event was created by popstar Robbie Williams and friend Jonathan Wilkes to raise funds for UNICEF. Since its inception, the event has raised over £120 million to provide support and care for children around the world.

It originally took place every two years but since 2018 it has been an annual event. The 2026 edition will once again be held at Old Trafford.

One man certainly no stranger to Old Trafford or Soccer Aid is Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, who will captain the England squad this year.

"I can't wait for Soccer Aid for Unicef this year and to wear the England shirt once again for the 20th anniversary," he told The Sun.

"It’s England against World XI at the London Stadium on May 31 and this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for Unicef always is.

"The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favourite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch. Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again. So please buy a ticket and support this amazing cause, which changes children’s lives around the world."

Rooney is undoubtedly the biggest name appearing this year but other ex-footballers that have been announced so far are Edwin van der Sar, Jordi Alba and Leonardo Bonucci, all of whom will feature for the World XI.

Jermain Defoe, Joe Hart, Theo Walcott, Jill Scott and Toni Duggan are some of the former players turning out for England and they'll be joined by celebrities like Paddy McGuinness, Tom Hiddleston, Angry Ginge and Olly Murs.

Robbie Williams and Usain Bolt will again manage the England and World XIs teams respectively.

For the 2026 edition of Soccer Aid, we'll see a tribute to the England side that won the 1966 World Cup as it'll be the 60th anniversary of that momentous event. England will wear special commemorative kits.

It's also going to be the 20th anniversary of the first Soccer Aid.

"I’m incredibly proud to be celebrating 20 years of Soccer Aid for Unicef this year, it’s one of the most important things to me," Williams explained.

"Last year’s event raised more money than ever and £121m has been raised since we started – genuinely life-changing. Let’s hope we can break the record again this year."

The Rest of the World or World XI currently leads the way with eight victories to England's six.

There are only two players who have scored at least five goals in the history of Soccer Aid and they are Defoe and, impressively, Love Island star Kem Cetinay. That puts the pair one ahead of Clarence Seedorf, Robbie Keane and Carlos Tevez, all of whom have scored four.

For the most part, the celebrities involved in Soccer Aid are known only to British audiences but you do get the occasional Hollywood A-lister involved. Will Ferrell and Woody Harrelson played previously, while you have Marvel Cinematic Universe stalwart Hiddleston featuring again in 2026.

Nobody has made more Soccer Aid appearances than McGuinness on nine.

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