Soccer Aid 2026: Damson Idris, Owen Cooper and Jermaine Defoe Shine as England Defeat World XI

A Night of Stars, Football Legends and Fundraising at London Stadium

Soccer Aid 2026 delivered another memorable chapter in the history of the world’s most famous charity football match, combining entertainment, sporting nostalgia, celebrity appearances and fundraising for UNICEF.

Held at the London Stadium in East London, the 20th anniversary edition of Soccer Aid brought together former professional footballers, actors, musicians, television personalities and social media stars for a highly anticipated clash between England and the World XI. The event once again demonstrated why it has become one of the biggest annual charity sporting spectacles in the United Kingdom.

With England legends Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Jill Scott and Theo Walcott sharing the pitch with celebrities including Damson Idris, Tom Hiddleston, Sam Thompson and Owen Cooper, fans were treated to an evening packed with goals, drama and unforgettable moments.

What Is Soccer Aid?

Soccer Aid was founded by Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes in 2006 with the aim of raising money for UNICEF UK. Originally staged every two years, the event has been held annually since 2018 and has raised more than £120 million for children around the world.

Over the years, the match has featured some of football’s greatest names, including Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldinho and Paul Gascoigne, alongside celebrities from music, film, television and sport.

The 2026 edition marked the competition’s 20th anniversary, making it one of the most significant Soccer Aid events ever staged. 

Where Was Soccer Aid 2026 Played?

One of the most frequently asked questions ahead of the event was: Where is Soccer Aid being played this year?

Soccer Aid 2026 took place at the London Stadium, the home of Premier League club West Ham United. Located in Stratford, East London, the stadium previously hosted the 2012 Olympic Games and remains one of the largest sporting venues in the United Kingdom.

The iconic venue provided a fitting stage for the charity match’s milestone anniversary celebration.

What Time Did Soccer Aid 2026 Kick Off?

Another major talking point before the match concerned the start time.

Soccer Aid 2026 kicked off at 6:30 PM on Sunday, May 31. The kickoff was moved forward by one hour compared to recent editions, which typically began at 7:30 PM.

Television coverage began at 5:30 PM on ITV1, allowing viewers to enjoy pre-match interviews, entertainment and team analysis before kickoff.

Fans were also able to watch through ITVX and ITV’s YouTube channel.

What Channel Was Soccer Aid On?

For viewers asking “What channel is Soccer Aid on?”, the answer was straightforward.

The event was broadcast live on:

• ITV1

• ITVX

• ITV YouTube Channel

Hosting duties were handled by familiar Soccer Aid presenters Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, who guided audiences through the evening’s action and fundraising efforts.

Soccer Aid 2026 Teams and Lineups

England Team

England featured an impressive blend of football legends and celebrity personalities.

Former Professionals

• Wayne Rooney

• Jermain Defoe

• Joe Hart

• Theo Walcott

• Jack Wilshere

• Jill Scott

• Steph Houghton

Celebrities

• Damson Idris

• Owen Cooper

• Joe Marler

• Tom Hiddleston

• Robbie Williams

• Sam Thompson

• Olly Murs

• Paddy McGuinness

• Angry Ginge

• Tom Grennan

• Jack Whitehall

• Jordan North

• GK Barry

• Chloe Burrows

• Alex Brooker

World XI Team

The World XI once again combined sporting icons and celebrity talent.

Celebrities

• Behzinga

• Chris O’Dowd

• Dermot Kennedy

• Maisie Adam

• Nicky Byrne

• Richard Gadd

• Simon Neil

• Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

• Harry Aikines-Aryeetey

• Nabhaan Rizwan

Former Professionals and International Stars

The squad also included notable football names such as:

• Dimitar Berbatov

• Michael Essien

• Tim Cahill

• Lukas Podolski

• Jordi Alba

• Nemanja Matic

• Leonardo Bonucci

Who Is Damson Idris?

One of the breakout stars of Soccer Aid 2026 was actor Damson Idris.

Known internationally for his acting career, Idris made a huge impact on the pitch by scoring England’s opening goal. His clever finish with the outside of his foot gave England the perfect start and delighted supporters inside London Stadium.

His performance showed that Soccer Aid continues to produce unexpected footballing heroes from the world of entertainment.

Who Is Owen Cooper?

Another name generating significant attention was Owen Cooper.

The young actor, known for his role in Adolescence, made Soccer Aid history by becoming the event’s youngest-ever participant. At just 16 years old, Cooper represented a new generation of talent joining the Soccer Aid family.

During the match he was involved in one of the game’s early talking points when he escaped conceding a penalty following a challenge on Dimitar Berbatov.

Jermain Defoe Breaks a Soccer Aid Record

While celebrities often capture headlines, former England striker Jermain Defoe once again demonstrated his class.

Defoe scored twice for England and became the leading scorer in Soccer Aid history. His goals came in spectacular fashion, including a clever lob and a long-range chip that extended England’s lead and ultimately helped secure victory.

The former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland striker proved that his finishing ability remains as sharp as ever.

Wayne Rooney Returns to the Spotlight

Football fans were also delighted to see Wayne Rooney back in an England shirt.

The Manchester United legend featured prominently throughout the evening and nearly added his name to the scoresheet with a curling free kick that narrowly missed the target late in the match.

Rooney’s presence added further star power to an already impressive lineup.

Joe Marler’s Unexpected Goalkeeping Role

Former rugby international Joe Marler provided one of the night’s most entertaining stories.

Rather than playing rugby, Marler found himself in goal for England and produced several important saves during the second half. He denied attempts from Nemanja Matic and other World XI attackers before eventually being beaten by powerful strikes from Michael Essien and Tim Cahill.

His performance became one of the talking points of the evening.

Soccer Aid 2026 Result and Final Score

After an entertaining contest, England emerged victorious.

Final Score

England 3-2 World XI

England goals:

• Damson Idris

• Jermain Defoe

• Jermain Defoe

World XI goals:

• Michael Essien

• Tim Cahill

England appeared comfortable after building a 3-0 advantage, but late goals from Essien and Cahill created a tense finish. Ultimately, England held on to reclaim bragging rights after losing 5-4 to the World XI in the previous year.

Angry Ginge Claims Player of the Match

One of the standout performers was social media personality Angry Ginge.

The influencer delivered another impressive display and was named Player of the Match for the second consecutive year. His crucial defensive contributions helped England withstand the late World XI pressure and secure victory.

Why Soccer Aid Remains So Popular

Twenty years after its launch, Soccer Aid continues to occupy a unique place in British sport and entertainment.

The event successfully combines:

• Football nostalgia

• Celebrity culture

• Family entertainment

• Charitable fundraising

• International participation

The mixture of football legends, actors, musicians, influencers and sports personalities creates an atmosphere unlike any other sporting event.

Most importantly, the match continues to raise vital funds for UNICEF and its work supporting children worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Soccer Aid 2026 showed that the event remains stronger than ever as it enters its third decade. The combination of established stars such as Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe with emerging personalities like Damson Idris and Owen Cooper demonstrates how the charity match continues to evolve while maintaining its core mission.

With record-breaking performances, a packed London Stadium, and another successful fundraising effort for UNICEF, Soccer Aid’s 20th anniversary will be remembered as one of the competition’s most entertaining and significant editions.