Soccer Aid returns to London Stadium for its 20th anniversary, with Wayne Rooney captaining an England XI of ex-internationals and celebrities against a World XI loaded with former stars such as Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Essien and Nemanja Matic. England chase revenge after last year’s 5-4 defeat; the fixture promises high drama, charity focus and a competitive, nostalgia-fuelled showdown on Sunday evening.
Soccer Aid 2026: what, when and where
Soccer Aid 2026 takes place at London Stadium on Sunday evening, kicking off at 18:30 BST. The charity fixture marks its 20th anniversary, pairing an England football team of retired internationals and celebrities against a World XI of global stars. Expect a blend of genuine football pedigree and entertainment value, with broadcasters showing the match live on ITV and streaming on ITVX.
Managers and coaching teams
England
Robbie Williams leads the England set-up with experienced football figures in the backroom including Harry Redknapp and David Seaman. The mix is designed to balance showmanship and competitive structure.
World XI
Usain Bolt and Clarence Seedorf headline the World XI’s leadership, giving the visitors a blend of athletic pedigree and elite football experience.
Key line-ups and headline names
England squad highlights
Wayne Rooney headlines for England, flanked by proven internationals Jermain Defoe, Jack Wilshere, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Joe Hart. The side also features former England women’s internationals Jill Scott, Toni Duggan and Steph Houghton alongside a raft of celebrities including Tom Hiddleston, Danny Dyer, Jack Whitehall and Olly Murs.
World XI squad highlights
The World XI counters with a formidable spine: Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Essien, Nemanja Matic, Tim Cahill and Lukas Podolski. Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci and Edwin van der Sar add defensive experience and leadership, while the roster mixes athletes, entertainers and ex-pros for a competitive balance.
Missing pieces and squad dynamics
Carlos Tevez — who scored four goals in last year’s narrow 5-4 World XI victory — is absent, removing one of the most explosive attacking threats from the visitors. That said, Berbatov and Podolski provide clinical finishing, and Essien and Matic ensure midfield steel. England’s reliance on Rooney’s leadership and the returning experience of former internationals suggests a tactical approach built around moments of individual quality rather than sustained high-intensity pressing.
Match context and what’s at stake
This is more than a celebrity kickabout: Soccer Aid raises funds while offering a rare competitive platform for retired stars. For England, revenge and pride after last year’s defeat matter; for World XI, back-to-back wins would cement a narrative of continental bragging rights. The match also tests how well retired pros can combine with non-professionals under a short preparation window.
Key matchups to watch
Rooney vs. World XI centre-backs Rooney’s ability to drop and link play will be decisive against seasoned defenders like Bonucci and Alba.
Midfield battle Essien and Matic’s physical presence could dominate possession; England will need Wilshere and Jack to inject tempo and creativity.
Finishing touch With Tevez absent, goals may come from veterans capable of moments of brilliance — Berbatov, Defoe and Podolski are the players most likely to decide a tight game.
Why this matters
Soccer Aid remains one of football’s best examples of charity and spectacle converging. The fixture showcases football’s history while raising funds and visibility for charitable causes. On the pitch, it offers a nostalgic, high-profile curtain-raiser to summer football, reminding fans how former stars can still produce meaningful moments.
How to watch
The match is broadcast live on ITV with streaming available on ITVX. Kick-off is scheduled for 18:30 BST; pre-match coverage begins earlier on the channel.
What could happen next
Expect a competitive but controlled game: substitutions and celebrity involvement will shape tempo. If England manage to control midfield and avoid early set-piece lapses, they have the experience to edge a tight contest. Conversely, World XI’s deep quality in attack can punish any soft defensive moments.
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Regardless of the scoreline, the main winners should be the charities supported by the event.
The Sun
