Soccer Aid 2026 squads confirmed: Rooney, Van der Sar and Bolt headline 20th anniversary match

Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary edition takes place at London Stadium on Sunday, May 31, with both squads now confirmed for the UNICEF charity fixture. Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30pm UK time, with Wayne Rooney leading England and Edwin van der Sar starting in goal for the World XI.

Manchester United’s footprint on the event is considerable. Rooney captains the England side, while Van der Sar, Dimitar Berbatov and Nemanja Matic all feature for the World XI — four former United players in total across the two squads.

England’s roster is managed by Robbie Williams and includes former internationals Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton and Joe Hart. Celebrities filling out the squad include Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Jack Whitehall, Sam Thompson, Chloe Burrows, Jordan North, Owen Cooper, GK Barry, Angry Ginge and Joe Marler in goal.

The World XI, managed by Olympic sprint legend Usain Bolt, features former Serie A and La Liga stalwarts Leonardo Bonucci and Jordi Alba alongside Michael Essien and US women’s football internationals Ali Krieger and Jen Beattie. The celebrity contingent includes Richard Gadd, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Chris O’Dowd, Nabhaan Rizwan, Maisie Adam, Big Zuu, Nitro, Nicky Byrne and Dermot Kennedy.

The match continues Soccer Aid’s long-running mission to raise funds for UNICEF, with the 20th edition bringing a special half-time anniversary show alongside the usual mix of professional footballers and well-known faces.