Soccer Aid 2025 is set to take place today, June 15, 2025, at Old Trafford, the iconic home of Manchester United. This year's event promises another star-studded match between England and the World XI, all in aid of UNICEF. The broadcast will begin at 6:00 PM BST on ITV1 and ITVX, with the kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM BST. Dermot O'Leary and former Lionesses defender Alex Scott are hosting the pre-match build-up and live coverage.
The England squad boasts a mix of football legends and celebrities. Wayne Rooney will be taking on a player-manager role, joined in the dugout by Tyson Fury, Harry Redknapp, Vicky McClure, and goalkeeping coach David James. On the pitch, familiar faces like Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, and Michael Carrick will be lacing up their boots. They'll be joined by Jermain Defoe, Toni Duggan, Joe Hart, Steph Houghton, Aaron Lennon, Jill Scott, Phil Jagielka, and Jack Wilshere. Adding to the star power, Steven Bartlett, Alex Brooker, Angry Ginge, Tom Grennan, Dame Denise Lewis, Paddy McGuinness, Sir Mo Farah, Sam Quek, Louis Tomlinson, Roman Kemp, and Bella Ramsey are also set to feature for the England side. Jill Scott will be wearing the captain's armband for England.
The World XI will be managed by former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. The squad includes Edwin van der Sar, Nemanja Vidic, Carlos Tevez, and John O'Shea. Leonardo Bonucci, Kaylyn Kyle, Nadia Nadim, Harry Kewell, Robbie Keane, David Trezeguet, and Kheira Hamraoui will also be participating. Celebrities such as Tony Bellew, Tobi Brown, Martin Compston, Richard Gadd, Bryan Habana, Dermot Kennedy, Gorka Marquez, Livi Sheldon, Big Zuu, Noah Beck, Billy Wingrove, Maisie Adam, Nicky Byrne, and Asim Chaudhry round out the World XI lineup.
Soccer Aid, created by Robbie Williams in 2006, brings together celebrities and football legends to raise money for UNICEF. The funds raised support UNICEF's work in providing children worldwide with therapeutic food, healthcare, safe spaces, and crisis support, helping them grow up safe, healthy, and able to play. Last year's event raised £15 million, bringing the total raised since 2006 to over £100 million.
England will be looking to defend their title after a 6-3 victory over the World XI last year at Stamford Bridge, which marked their first win since 2018. Going into tonight's match, the World XI leads the overall standings with seven wins to England's six.
Fans can tune in to ITV1, ITVX, and STV to watch the match live. The broadcast will include pre-match build-up, live coverage of the game, and post-match reactions and interviews. Sam Matterface and Iain Stirling will be commentating on the match.
