Soccer Aid 2026 brings Rooney, Berbatov and Wilshere together for 20th anniversary match

Soccer Aid returns for its 20th anniversary edition on 31 May 2026, with England taking on a World XI at kick-off at 6:30pm BST. Robbie Williams manages the England side, while sprint legend Usain Bolt takes charge of the World XI.

The England squad blends celebrity names with genuine footballing pedigree. Wayne Rooney, Jack Wilshere, Joe Hart, Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott and Steph Houghton are among the former professionals involved, joined by celebrities including Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Jack Whitehall and Damson Idris. Former rugby union international Joe Marler and Adolescence actor Owen Cooper are among the new additions to the England roster.

Wilshere, who impressed in last year’s edition, returns alongside Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Matic on what is a notably experienced World XI side. Game of Thrones actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is also making his Soccer Aid debut for the World XI, alongside returning names including Ali Krieger and Behzinga. Viewers outside the UK can watch via ITV’s global YouTube stream.

Soccer Aid has raised hundreds of millions of pounds for UNICEF UK since its debut in 2006, and the 20th-anniversary edition is expected to draw one of the event’s largest audiences to date.