England will look to exact revenge on the World XI when the two sides meet at the London Stadium this evening in the 20th edition of Soccer Aid for UNICEF. After suffering a 5-4 defeat at Old Trafford last year, the Three Lions are determined to reclaim the trophy on home turf in front of a sold-out crowd in east London.
Match context: 20 years of football and fundraising
Soccer Aid, co-founded in 2006 by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, has grown from a biennial exhibition into an annual charity spectacle sanctioned by the Football Association as the only mixed-sex match of its kind. Over two decades the event has raised more than £121 million for UNICEF’s work supporting children worldwide, with last year’s edition alone bringing in £15.28 million. This year the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation is doubling donations up to £6 million, adding further urgency to the evening’s fundraising efforts.
The head-to-head record currently favours the World XI, who have won eight editions to England’s six. The visitors claimed victory in three of the last four meetings, including a narrow 5-4 win at Old Trafford in 2025 in which former Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez scored four goals and Big Zuu netted the dramatic winner. England last triumphed in 2024, winning 6-3 at Stamford Bridge.
The London Stadium, which hosted the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, has been configured in football mode for the second time since the event debuted there in 2022. It is a venue of personal significance for World XI manager Usain Bolt, who won three Olympic gold medals on the track in those Games. “We’re going for gold at the London Stadium and want to break records, raising as much money as possible to help UNICEF support children around the world,” Bolt said. “Everyone knows my record at the London Stadium. See you there, Robbie!”
The teams: legends, celebrities and a 16-year-old debutant
England are co-managed by Robbie Williams and Harry Redknapp, with David Seaman serving as goalkeeping coach. The squad blends former professionals with a host of well-known faces from television, music and sport.
England legends: Wayne Rooney (captain), Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott, Jack Wilshere, Joe Hart, Theo Walcott, Steph Houghton, Toni Duggan, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Joleon Lescott and Jade Moore. Defoe is Soccer Aid’s all-time top scorer, having claimed that record during last year’s match.
England celebrities: Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Owen Cooper, Danny Dyer, Damson Idris, Angry Ginge, Chloe Burrows, Jack Whitehall, Jordan North, Sam Thompson, Joe Marler (playing in goal for his debut), Olly Murs, Tom Grennan, GK Barry, Alex Brooker and the actor Damson Idris.
Owen Cooper, star of the Netflix series Adolescence, becomes the youngest-ever participant at 16 years old. He was not born when the first Soccer Aid took place. “I wasn’t even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I’m a big fan!” he said. “Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31. 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.”
Paddy McGuinness will make his record tenth appearance, surpassing all other celebrity players. Wayne Rooney, who will lead the side out, said: “I can’t wait for Soccer Aid for Unicef this year and to wear the England shirt once again for the 20th anniversary… this year we want nothing less than an England win. Me, Coleen and the boys love the atmosphere and the brilliant family occasion that Soccer Aid for Unicef always is.”
The World XI are managed by Usain Bolt, with former Netherlands and Chelsea midfielder Clarence Seedorf also named as a manager. Their squad is equally star-studded.
World XI legends: Jordi Alba, Leonardo Bonucci, Lukas Podolski, Michael Essien, Gary Cahill, Dimitar Berbatov, Nemanja Matic, Ali Krieger, Edwin van der Sar, Jen Beattie and Tim Cahill. Alba, the former Barcelona and Inter Miami full-back, makes his Soccer Aid debut. Van der Sar, the legendary Dutch goalkeeper, adds vast experience between the posts.
World XI celebrities: Behzinga, Dermot Kennedy, Maisie Adam, Nicky Byrne, Nitro, Chris O’Dowd, Simon Neil, Richard Gadd, Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, Molly McCann, TBJZL, Frankie Dettori, Nabhaan Rizwan and Big Zuu – the 2025 match winner whose late strike secured the World XI’s victory at Old Trafford.
How to watch and follow the action
Kick-off at the London Stadium is at 6.30pm UK time. The match will be broadcast live and free on ITV1 and STV, with coverage beginning at 5.30pm. Viewers can also stream the game for free on the ITVX website and app, as well as on ITV’s official YouTube channel.
Commentary is led by Sam Matterface, with former England star Alex Scott joining host Dermot O’Leary. Official live score partner FotMob will provide in-depth match data and player ratings throughout the evening.
Tickets remain on sale through SEE Tickets, with adult prices starting at £20 and junior tickets from £10 – a price frozen for Category 5 seats for the past eight years. All profits from ticket sales go directly to UNICEF.
Usain Bolt’s challenge to Robbie Williams hangs over the night: “We’re going for gold at the London Stadium and want to break records, raising as much money as possible to help UNICEF support children around the world.”
