Soccer Aid has made its return to ITV, raising vital funds for Unicef with Alex Scott and Dermot O'Leary presenting the coverage. The event, which aired on May 31, 2026, features a host of celebrities showcasing their footballing abilities over a four-hour broadcast from 5pm to 9pm.
Celebrity Line-Up and Coaches
England, coached by Soccer Aid creator Robbie Williams, I'm A Celebrity legend Harry Redknapp, and former goalkeeper David Seaman, faces the World XI, guided by Olympian Usain Bolt and Dutch former football manager Clarence Seedorf. The England squad includes The Night Manager star Tom Hiddleston, Adolescence actor Owen Cooper, and England footballer Jill Scott. The World XI features Westlife's Nicky Byrne, retired champion jockey Frankie Dettori, and Game of Thrones star Nikolaj Coster-Waldau.
Viewer Reactions
Shortly into the broadcast, viewers took to X to voice their opinions on the lengthy airtime. Coverage began 90 minutes before kick-off, leading to frustration. One viewer wrote: "A load of dross for 90 minutes before get on with the match #socceraid." Another asked: "Does anybody know what time kick off is? #SoccerAid." A third commented: "Four hours of #SoccerAid." Some urged: "Just start the ffing game #SoccerAid." Despite this, many eagerly anticipated the match. One fan noted: "I only watch football when England is playing in the #worldcup and when #socceraid is on." Another added: "Time for the one and only footie match i actually watch and actually care about #socceraid."
Olly Murs' Challenge
In the lead-up, singer Olly Murs completed a gruelling 400km challenge to raise money for Unicef, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Soccer Aid. He ran, rowed, and rode from Manchester's Old Trafford to London Stadium, facing emotional moments and demanding terrain. Speaking to The Mirror, he said: "I'm feeling good, I think I'm still in a bit of a bubble. I'm just really proud that I did it." He revealed that upon finishing, his first stop was a McDonald's, adding: "It tasted so good. It's all I kept thinking about all week."
Soccer Aid for Unicef airs on ITV1 from 5pm to 9pm on Sunday, May 31.
