when is soccer aid 2026

Soccer Aid 2026 is set for Sunday, May 31, 2026. This annual charity football match, pitting England against a World XI to raise funds for UNICEF, has been moved up from its traditional mid-June slot to dodge the 2026 World Cup schedule.

Key Event Details

Expect kick-off around 6:30 PM BST at London Stadium, West Ham United's home ground, with live coverage on ITV1 and ITVX.

Tickets start at £20 for adults and £10 for under-16s, available now via socceraid.org.uk—perfect for fans eager to see stars in action early.

This 20th anniversary edition promises a special half-time show, building on past spectacles by artists like Robbie Williams, who's managing England this year.

Star-Studded Lineups

England boasts legends like Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, and Joe Hart, joined by celebs such as Tom Hiddleston, Tom Grennan, and Angry Ginge (Miniminter).

The World XI features Usain Bolt leading alongside ex-pros like Jordi Alba (ex-Barcelona) and new faces from music, TV, and film—aiming to defend their 2025 Old Trafford win (5-4 over England).

Robbie Williams, co-founder since 2006, returns to rally the squad, with over £121 million raised for UNICEF to date across two decades.

Why the Date Shift?

Unlike prior years (e.g., June at Old Trafford in 2025), 2026 avoids clashing with the World Cup in North America, landing in late May for broader appeal.

Players like Rooney are hyped: "I haven't won, so I can put that right this year," while Bolt eyes records at the venue.

UNICEF emphasizes protecting kids' playtime amid global crises, with funds aiding safe spaces, vaccines, and education.

Viewing and Participation Tips

• TV/Stream : ITV1 from 6:30 PM; check ITVX for streams on phones, laptops, or smart TVs.

• Tickets : Buy early at socceraid.org.uk/tickets—hospitality and family packages available.

• More Buzz : Follow @SoccerAid on socials for lineup drops and anniversary reveals.

TL;DR: Mark May 31, 2026—London Stadium, 6:30 PM kick-off—for Soccer Aid's epic 20th bash with Rooney, Bolt, and stars galore, all for UNICEF kids.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.