Man Utd henchman Jaap Stam commits the cardinal sin of playing to win and scaring everyone within a 10-yard radius. TV nice guy Ben Shephard introduces Edgar Davids and Dimitar Berbatov to receive the only red card in Soccer Aid history. Zinedine Zidane, cool as a cucumber, slips the ball between the legs of a charging Damian Lewis.
Although there is something inherently sad about the way Olly Murs (42) and Robbie Williams (52) are clearly using Soccer Aid as a vehicle for their relentless hopes of breaking into Thomas Tuchel’s team as first reserves, the annual charity match – which raises money for UNICEF: donate here – is a reliable generator of brilliantly surreal moments.
Berbatov and Clarence Seedorf will be in action on Sunday at West Ham’s London stadium, which doesn’t do anyone any favors. Next to two of the silkiest players of any generation, even Wayne Rooney and Michael Essien look like workhorses.
Their presence also provides a can’t-miss opportunity to see Tom Hiddleston stripped of the impossible elegance that defines so many of his characters. Joe Marler in goal should be a good value, as is former UFC fighter Molly McCann, better known as “Meatball Molly”, who looks like she has a bit of Stam in her.
And we have high expectations for Owen Cooper, the 16-year-old star of Adolescencewho probably trains more than most professional footballers.
2026 World Cup enthusiasts may also be interested to learn that Soccer Aid will be using the Adidas Trionda ball, which will no doubt spark hundreds of complaints over the summer.
Here’s where to watch Soccer Aid 2026 live streams for free from anywhere.
Can you watch Soccer Aid 2026 for free?
Yes. Soccer Aid 2026 is streamed live for free in most countries around the world.
🇫🇷 United Kingdom: YouTube & ITVX
Global: YouTube
Are you traveling abroad at the moment? You can use a VPN to watch Soccer Aid for free as if you were at home.
Use a VPN to watch Soccer Aid 2026 live streams
A VPN is a handy piece of software that can make your device appear to be in your home country, so you can unblock your usual service. The best VPN at the moment? We recommend NordVPN – it does it all and offers up to 75% off.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2026 in the UK
In the UK, coverage of Soccer Aid is provided by free-to-air channel ITV1, with live streaming available via the ITVX streaming service.
You can also connect via the ITV YouTube Channel.
Traveling far from the UK? Use a VPN to watch ITVX from abroad when you’re away from home.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2026 in the US, Canada, Australia and the rest of the world
THE ITV YouTube Channel live stream Soccer Aid 2026 wherever the video streaming service is present. Coverage typically begins around 3am ET / 8am GMT / 7pm AEDT.
If for some reason you are unable to get YouTube to work, use a VPN to access this free Soccer Aid stream.
Soccer Aid 2026 – Need to know
Who are the Soccer Aid 2026 teams?
England:
Paddy McGuinness
Joe Hart
Wayne Rooney
Shaun Wright-Phillips
Theo Walcott
Alex Brooker
Jill Scott
Owen Cooper
Jermain Defoe
GK Barry
Tom Hiddleston
Damson Idris
Sam Thompson
Tom Grennan
Jordan North
Angry Ginger
Steph Houghton
Tony Duggan
Joe Marler
Olly Murs
Manager: Robbie Williams
World:
Edwin van der Sar
Lucas Podolski
Chris O’Dowd
Jordi Alba
Ali Krieger
Jen Beattie
Leonard Bonucci
Simon Neil
Richard Gadd
Maisie Adam
Nikolaj Coster Waldau
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Great Zuu
Coach: Usain Bolt
Can I watch Soccer Aid for free?
Yes! As noted above, free coverage is available on ITVX in the United Kingdom, and on YouTube almost everywhere else.
Viewers away from home can use a VPN to watch free coverage from abroad.
Can I watch Soccer Aid 2026 on my mobile?
Of course, most broadcasters offer streaming services that you can access through mobile apps or through your phone’s browser.
You can also stay up to date with all things Soccer Aid on UNICEF’s official social media channels on YouTube (@unicef), Instagram (@unicef) and Facebook (@unicef).
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Access a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protect your online security and strengthen your online privacy abroad. We do not support or condone illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consumption of paid pirated content is not endorsed or endorsed by Future Publishing.
