Soccer Aid 2026 line-up revealed: England players include Owen Cooper, GK Barry, Joe Marler, DJ Jordan North and Gladiator Nitro

Award-winning Adolescence actor Owen Cooper, F1 star Damson Idris and influencer GK Barry are among debutants revealed for the 2026 Soccer Aid charity event. Actor Cooper said he was "incredibly proud" to be taking part in the event, which raises money for Unicef and is marking its 20th year.

The 16-year-old will become the youngest player to participate in the charity event when he turns out for the England team, who take on a World XI at the London Stadium on May 31. Other debutants set to take to the field include rugby-star-turned-Traitors hero, Joe Marler, DJ Jordan North and Gladiator Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.

"I wasn’t even born when the first Soccer Aid took place but I’m a big fan," Cooper said. "Becoming the youngest player to take part is a real honour and I’m excited to step out at the London Stadium on May 31. This event raises vital funds to help children grow up safe, healthy and able to play – and I’m grateful to be part of such an important cause."

The actor, who most recently featured in Emerald Fennell’s film adaptation of the Emily Bronte classic Wuthering Heights, rocketed to fame after his breakout role in Netflix drama Adolescence.

Marler, referencing his appearance in the BBC reality show, said he would be “faithful” to an “amazing cause” as he swaps rugby for football. And DJ North, 36, said he was “privileged, excited and slightly terrified” to take part, while TV personality Aikines-Aryeetey described it as a “dream come true”.

Returning players to Soccer Aid for England include former international footballer Jill Scott, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness, singer Olly Murs and actor Tom Hiddleston. They will be joined by singer-songwriter Tom Grennan - who was a potential pro as a youngster - and reality TV star, Sam Thompson.

Meanwhile, the Soccer Aid World XI FC team includes the likes of Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, comedian Maisie Adam, rapper Big Zuu, Scottish actor Richard Gadd and The Last Leg’s Alex Brooker.

Former Take That star and artist Robbie Williams, who co-founded the concept which raises money for children around the world, will also return to the pitch and be a part of the England management team. Since the celebrity match started in 2006, England have won six times, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC have come out on top on eight occasions.

This year’s show will be hosted by Unicef UK ambassador and This Morning presenter Dermot O’Leary, who will be joined by sports presenter and former footballer Alex Scott, with broadcaster Sam Matterface returning as commentator.

To commemorate 60 years since England won the World Cup, the team will take to the pitch in a replica of the white home kit from the 1966 match, while the Soccer Aid World XI FC will wear a bespoke Adidas outfit. The game will be played with the same footballs being used in the World Cup this summer.

More famous participants will be revealed in the coming weeks and a 20th anniversary half-time entertainment show will also be announced, organisers said.

Soccer Aid will be broadcast on ITV1, STV and ITVX on May 31.