Soccer Aid 2026 Teams – Wayne Rooney, Jordi Alba & Edwin van der Sar among big names
One of the biggest charity games will return this May.
On May 31, the biggest celebrity football game, Soccer Aid 2026, in the world will return to London Stadium to commemorate its historic 20th anniversary. A powerful World XI led by Jordi Alba and legendary goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar will face an England team eager for atonement, led by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. The important goal of this star-studded event is to raise money for UNICEF’s international children’s programs.
With a mix of Champions League champions and social media personalities, the Soccer Aid 2026 lineups are expected to be among the most competitive in the event’s history.
Since this year’s edition commemorates 20 years of the initiative’s dedication to helping vulnerable children around the world, it has extra emotional significance. The atmosphere is predicted to reach an all-time high as bragging rights take centre stage, with over 60,000 spectators set to pack the stands.
With the legendary Van der Sar at its core, the World XI team is developing into a formidable defensive force. Alba, a former Barcelona and Inter Miami defender who makes his tournament debut after a trophy-filled career alongside Lionel Messi, adds contemporary star power to the ranks. Leonardo Bonucci, an Italian defensive mainstay, has joined them, guaranteeing that the England frontline will encounter a top-tier obstacle in their quest for goals.
The tactical struggle will be as intense in the dugout as it is on the field. Robbie Williams, a music phenomenon and co-founder of Soccer Aid, will return to oversee the England camp, while Olympic great Usain Bolt will once again lead the World XI.
Fans may anticipate the announcement of several more “blockbuster” arrivals in the upcoming weeks, as 33 players have already been confirmed. Both teams are still in the recruitment process, and some rumours suggest that recently retired Premier League players will be entering the competition.
Soccer Aid 2026 teams & players
England squad (so far)
- Robbie Williams (manager)
- Joe Hart
- Joe Marler
- Paddy McGuinness
- Alex Brooker
- Owen Cooper
- Jermain Defoe
- Toni Duggan
- Angry Ginge
- Tom Grennan
- Tom Hiddleston
- Steph Houghton
- Damsin Idris
- Olly Murs
- Jordan North
- Wayne Rooney
- Jill Scott
- Sam Thompson
- Theo Walcott
World XI squad (so far)
- Usain Bolt (manager)
- Edwin van der Sar
- Jordi Alba
- Maisie Adam
- Jen Beattie
- Leonardo Bouncci
- Richard Gadd
- Ali Krieger
- Nitro
- Big Zuu
When is Soccer Aid 2026?
It’s on May 31st.
What is Soccer Aid 2026?
It’s a charity game that raises money for UNICEF’s international children’s programs.
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After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.