Arsenal and Tottenham icons announced for Soccer Aid as 2026 line-ups revealed

Former Barcelona and Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba is among nine debutants set to feature in the 2026 edition of Soccer Aid, with former Arsenal and Spurs stars also involved

Former Arsenal and Tottenham stars will be among the ex-players joined by Champions League winner Jordi Alba in the 2026 edition of charity match Soccer Aid. Alba, who hung up his boots in 2025, will be joined by fellow debutants including one-time Arsenal women's star Jen Beattie as well as retired England men's internationals Jermain Defoe, Theo Walcott and Joe Hart.

Several high-profile celebrities are also set to feature, including Adolescence actor Owen Cooper — the youngest player across both squads at just 16 years old — and Gladiators star and former Team GB Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, better known as Nitro.

Defoe, Hart and Walcott are among a number of ex-players returning to the fold. All three played in London during their careers - Walcott with Arsenal and Defoe and Hart with Spurs - with the Soccer Aid match allowing Hart to return to the London Stadium after spending a season there with West Ham.

Since its inaugural edition back in 2006, Soccer Aid has raised an huge £121million for Unicef. The 20th anniversary edition sees the game return to London after it was held at Old Trafford in Manchester last year.

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Nine new faces will be making their Soccer Aid debuts, comprising three former professional footballers – Jordi Alba, Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger – alongside six celebrities in GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Joe Marler, Nitro and Jordan North. Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott will be on presenting duties for the match, which will also feature an extended half-time show to commemorate Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary.

The traditional England XI versus World XI format remains intact, with the World XI having edged a thrilling 5-4 victory in 2025. Former Manchester United and Argentina striker Carlos Tevez scored four of the World XI's five goals, though it was celebrity Big Zuu who grabbed the decisive winner.

Soccer Aid co-founder Robbie Williams will take charge of the England side from the dugout. Meanwhile, Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, who has previously featured in the match as a player, will be leading the opposition as manager.

"I love taking part in Soccer Aid for UNICEF – and getting my shooting boots back on and playing for England," former Spurs and West Ham striker Defoe said. "Playing for your country is always a privilege and I am looking forward to being back amongst teammates and sharing the pitch with some great former pros.

"This year I want to add to my five goals and become the all-time top goalscorer at Soccer Aid, for England to get the win and to raise as much money as we can. Please buy your tickets and come along on Sunday 31st May to help UNICEF continue their incredible work, supporting children all around the world."

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Footballers confirmed for Soccer Aid 2026: Jordi Alba, Jen Beattie, Ali Krieger, Leonardo Bonucci, Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Wayne Rooney, Edwin van der Sar, Jill Scott, Theo Walcott.

Celebrities confirmed for Soccer Aid 2026: GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Joe Marler, Nitro, Jordan North, Maisie Adam, Usain Bolt, Alex Brooker, Richard Gadd, Angry Ginge, Tom Grennan, Tom Hiddleston, Paddy McGuinness, Olly Murs, Sam Thompson, Robbie Williams, Big Zuu.

The twentieth anniversary of Soccer Aid for UNICEF takes place on Sunday 31^st May at the London Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets