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Former Barcelona star and Champions League winner Jordi Alba is among the debutants ready to take to the field in the upcoming 2026 edition of Soccer Aid. Alba, who announced his retirement in 2025, is one of nine new faces for the charity football match.

Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger are the other footballers set to make their debuts in the competition. Former Arsenal and Scotland star Beattie played for her country at the 2019 Women's World Cup during a career which brought more than 100 international caps, while former defender Krieger, 41, won two World Cup titles with the United States women's team.

A number of high-profile celebrities will also be involved. Among them is Adolescence actor Owen Cooper, the youngest player in either squad at the age of 16, and Gladiators star and former Team GB Olympian Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (also known as Nitro).

Legendary footballers and celebrities who took part in previous Soccer Aid games will also return. They include former England internationals such as Wayne Rooney and Jermain Defoe as well as iconic Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci.

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This year's Soccer Aid match will take place at the London Stadium in May. Tickets cost £20 for adults or £10 for children, with the match helping raise more than £121million for Unicef since its first edition in 2006.

The nine debutants are made up of three ex-footballers (Jordi Alba, Jen Beattie and Ali Krieger) and six celebrities (GK Barry, Owen Cooper, Damson Idris, Joe Marler, Nitro and Jordan North). Dermot O'Leary and Alex Scott will present coverage of the match, while there will also be an extended half-time show to mark Soccer Aid's 20th anniversary.

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Soccer Aid continues its tradition of pitting an England XI against a World XI, with the latter winning 5-4 in 2025. Former Manchester United and Argentina star Carlos Tevez scored four of his team's goals last year, when the match took place at Old Trafford, though it was celebrity Big Zuu who scored the winner.

Robbie Williams, who helped set the wheels in motion for Soccer Aid 20 years ago, will manage the England team. In the opposition dugout is Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt, who has previously taken part in the charity match as a player.

"I’m very pleased to be making my debut for the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF," former Spain, Barcelona and Inter Miami favourite Alba said after being announced for the game. "I know that many special players have taken part over the years and for me to play in the twentieth anniversary of the event will be a great pleasure.

"I will look forward to sharing the pitch with the likes of Leo Bonucci against England, because this is one trophy I haven’t lifted yet! Growing up playing football was a wonderful experience for me and it is so important that we raise funds to continue to help all children around the world to play and thrive. Please get tickets with your family and come along to the London Stadium on Sunday May 31."

Footballers announced 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 announced 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 31st May at the London Stadium. Tickets are on sale now at socceraid.org.uk/tickets

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