Soccer Aid 2026 line-up confirmed as record-breaking player named in squad
The 2026 Soccer Aid lineup has been confirmed, with 30 footballers and celebrities announced for the UNICEF charity fixture.
The 20th anniversary of the game will take place at West Ham's London Stadium, with the latest battle between England and Rest of the World aiming to add to the whopping £121 million raised since its inception.
Co-founder Robbie Williams will manage England and go up against the world's fastest man Usain Bolt, who will be in the dugout of a stadium he knows very well after his 2012 Olympics heroics.
Last year's game saw Rest of the World claim a 5-4 win at Old Trafford, with former Manchester City and Manchester United star Carlos Tevez scoring four and clashing with I'm a Celeb winner Angry Ginge.
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Chef and rapper Big Zuu was the match-winner and he returns for the 2026 edition alongside big-hitters like Wayne Rooney, Leonardo Bonucci, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Edwin van der Sar, Jill Scott, and Theo Walcott.
Who is playing in Soccer Aid this year?
Previously a regular, Olly Murs will also make a long-awaited comeback for his eighth appearance after knee surgery put him on the sidelines.
Barcelona and Spain legend Jordi Alba leads the football debutants alongside female stars Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger.
For the celebs, British acting duo Damson Idris and Owen Cooper make their debuts alongside former rugby player-turned-Traitors star Joe Marler, radio host Jordan North, Gladiator star Nitro and presenter and influencer GK Barry, whose girlfriend Ella Rutherford plays for Portsmouth.
Die-hard Liverpool fan Cooper has gained huge popularity ever since his first ever on-screen appearance in Netflix hit Adolescence.
Cooper's portrayal of teenage murder suspect Jamie Miller saw him win a number of coveted awards, including becoming the youngest male Emmy winner.
But the 16-year-old will also make further history when he takes to the pitch at the London Stadium as he will be the youngest ever player to feature in Soccer Aid and the first teenager in the fixture's 20-year history.
Having only just turned 16 in December, he will eclipse the likes of Dave, Aitch, Bella Ramsey and Chris Fountain - who were all 21 when they appeared in Soccer Aid.
Remarkably, Cooper was not even born when Soccer Aid began in 2006. In fact, the first edition he was alive for was in 2010 when the Rest of the World beat England on penalties at Old Trafford.
Commenting on his historic appearance, Cooper said: "I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year. I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan!
"Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I'm excited to step out at the London Stadium on Sunday 31st May. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I'm grateful to be part of such an important cause."
In another historic move, comedian and presenter Paddy McGuinness is poised for a record-extending tenth appearance at Soccer Aid. He will share the gloves with Marler in between the sticks for England.
What's more, the adidas Trionda ball will be in use for the first time outside of the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Names confirmed for 2026 Soccer Aid
Angry Ginge
GK Barry
Leonardo Bonucci
Jermain Defoe
Toni Duggan
Joe Hart
Steph Houghton
Wayne Rooney
Edwin van der Sar
Jill Scott
Theo Walcott
Owen Cooper
Damson Idris
Joe Marler
Nitro
Jordan North
Jordi Alba
Jen Beattie
Ali Krieger
Maisie Adam,
Usain Bolt
Alex Brooker
Richard Gadd;
Tom Grennan
Tom Hiddleston
Paddy McGuinness
Olly Murs
Sam Thompson
Robbie Williams
Big Zuu
Further announcements on players who else will be participating in Soccer Aid are expected in due course.
The twentieth anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31 May at the London Stadium. Tickets start at £20 for adults and £10 for juniors and are on sale now.
Topics: Soccer Aid, England
Josh Lawless