The 2026 Soccer Aid lineup has now been confirmed, with 30 footballers and celebrities announced for the UNICEF charity fixture. What's more, young actor Owen Cooper is set to break an interesting record when he plays for England against Rest of the World.
Having started in 2006, this will represent the 20th anniversary of the charity football match, with West Ham's London Stadium set to host the game on 31 May. Over the years, an incredible £121 million has been raised with some true superstars taking part.
Last year's game saw Rest of the World claim a 5-4 win over England at Manchester United stadium Old Trafford. Carlos Tevez was the biggest headline maker, scoring four times while also clashing with I'm a Celeb winner Angry Ginge.
This time around, England will be managed by co-founder Robbie Williams, while Usain Bolt will be calling the shots in the dugout for Rest of the World.
Owen Cooper to Break 2026 Soccer Aid Record
One of the most exciting names to be added to the 30-person line-up this year is 16-year-old Cooper. The Liverpool fan exploded onto the scene in 2025 as he made his first on-screen appearance in Netflix hit show Adolescence, while then featuring as young Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights.
Cooper's portrayal of teenage murder suspect Jamie Miller in Adolescence saw him win a number of coveted awards, most notably a Golden Globe, while he also became the youngest male Emmy winner. He's set to make another remarkable age-based achievement in the near future, too.
Indeed, the 16-year-old will become the youngest ever player to feature in Soccer Aid, and the first teenager in the game's entire 20-year history. With his next birthday not until December, he will comfortably eclipse the likes of Dave, Aitch, Bella Ramsey and Chris Fountain, who were all 21 when they appeared in Soccer Aid.
Commenting on his historic appearance, Cooper said:
"I'm incredibly proud to be playing at Soccer Aid for UNICEF in its twentieth anniversary year. I wasn't even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I'm a big fan!
"Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I'm excited to step out at the London Stadium on Sunday 31st May. 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."
Full Soccer Aid Line-Up
Wayne Rooney Soccer Aid
Wayne Rooney Soccer Aid
From the world of football, one of the biggest names to be taking part is Barcelona and Spain legend Jordi Alba. Other debutants from the sport include female stars Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger.
On top of that, former players Wayne Rooney, Leonardo Bonucci, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Edwin van der Sar, Jill Scott, and Theo Walcott will return for another Soccer Aid game, having all previously competed.
Alongside Cooper, other celebrity debutants will include duo actor Damson Idris, former rugby player-turned-Traitors star Joe Marler, radio host Jordan North, Gladiator star Nitro and presenter and influencer GK Barry, whose girlfriend Ella Rutherford plays for Portsmouth.
Paddy McGuinness is also set to make history when he takes part in 2026, as the comedian and presenter will make a record-extending tenth appearance at Soccer Aid. He will play in goal, sharing the gloves for England with Marler.
Confirmed Players for 2026 Soccer Aid
Player
Angry Ginge
GK Barry
Leonardo Bonucci
Jermain Defoe
Toni Duggan
Joe Hart
Steph Houghton
Wayne Rooney
Edwin van der Sar
Jill Scott
Theo Walcott
Owen Cooper
Damson Idris
Joe Marler
Nitro
Jordan North
Jordi Alba
Jen Beattie
Ali Krieger
Maisie Adam
Usain Bolt (coach)
Alex Brooker
Richard Gadd
Tom Grennan
Tom Hiddleston
Paddy McGuinness
Olly Murs
Sam Thompson
Robbie Williams (coach)
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