Soccer Aid 2026 live on ITV1, ITVX and STV: Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott lead UK coverage for England XI v Soccer Aid World XI

Match date: 31 May 2026

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 takes place on Sunday 31 May at the London Stadium, with England XI v Soccer Aid World XI kicking off at 6.30pm BST. In the UK, viewers can watch the charity match on ITV1, ITVX, STV and STV Player, with ITV also making coverage available via its YouTube channel. [1][3][4][6]

The main broadcast team on ITV is fronted by Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott, while Sam Matterface leads commentary alongside Patrick Kielty. The pundit line-up includes former England goalkeeper Mary Earps and comedian and actor Asim Chaudhry, giving the broadcast a mix of football expertise and entertainment value. [user prompt]

O’Leary is one of British television’s most familiar live presenters, best known for anchoring major entertainment and sports coverage on ITV. Scott, born in 1984, brought elite playing experience to broadcasting after a distinguished career with Arsenal and England, and has become one of the most recognisable voices in football coverage on UK television. [user prompt]

Sam Matterface is a long-established sports commentator whose voice is regularly heard on major football broadcasts in the UK, while Patrick Kielty adds a lighter, conversational tone from his background in comedy and presenting. The presence of Mary Earps is notable because she arrives with top-level goalkeeping pedigree and recent international experience, which should add authority to any discussion of the match. Asim Chaudhry, meanwhile, is expected to bring a broader entertainment perspective, in keeping with Soccer Aid’s blend of celebrity fun and serious fundraising. [user prompt]

For listeners who prefer radio-style coverage, talkSPORT is also carrying the event, with Andy Goldstein presenting and Olly Clink on main commentary. Jason Cundy is scheduled as co-commentator, and Angelina Kelly will report from the match, offering an alternative broadcast for fans following the action away from the television screen. [user prompt]

This year’s fixture carries extra significance because Soccer Aid is marking its 20th anniversary, having launched in 2006 as a charity event supporting UNICEF. The competition brings together celebrities and former professionals, male and female, in a playful but competitive setting that has become a fixture of the UK summer sporting calendar. [3][4]

ITV’s coverage starts before kick-off, giving viewers time to settle in ahead of what is expected to be another high-profile occasion at West Ham’s home ground. The match is being shown free-to-air in the UK, which helps explain why Soccer Aid remains one of the most accessible and widely watched charity football events on television. [1][3][4]

Fans searching for the easiest viewing option can head to ITV1 for the full live television broadcast or use ITVX and STV Player for streaming, while the ITV YouTube feed provides another digital route. A useful background reference for the tournament itself is the official Soccer Aid website, which sets out the event’s charity purpose and broadcast details. [1][4][6]

Article generated: 31 May 2026, 18:31 GMT