Jordi Alba will line up with the World XI team at Soccer Aid 2026.\u00a0Getty<\/p>\n
Former Barcelona<\/a> and Inter Miami <\/a>left-back Jordi Alba<\/a> will make his debut in the 20th edition of Soccer Aid, taking place on May 31 at the London Stadium.<\/p>\n Singer Robbie Williams co-founded the event in 2006, and since its inception, the world’s biggest celebrity football match has raised more than \u00a3121 million ($161m) for UNICEF.<\/p>\n The England side — managed by Williams — will take on a Rest of the World XI led out by Usain Bolt in a match filled with celebrities and former athletes.<\/p>\n Alba, who is one of the most gifted and decorated defenders of his generation, will join the World XI team alongside Edwin van der Sar and Euro 2020 winner Leonardo Bonucci<\/a>.<\/p>\n Two-time FIFA Women’s World Cup winner Ali Krieger, and former Arsenal<\/a> and Scotland<\/a> international Jen Beattie, will also feature for the first time.<\/p>\n “I’m very pleased to be making my debut for the World XI at Soccer Aid for UNICEF,” Alba said.<\/p>\n “I know that many special players have taken part over the years and for me to play in the twentieth anniversary of the event will be a great pleasure.<\/p>\n “I will look forward to sharing the pitch with the likes of Leo Bonucci against England, because this is one trophy I haven’t lifted yet!<\/p>\n “Growing up playing football was a wonderful experience for me and it is so important that we raise funds to continue to help all children around the world to play and thrive.”<\/p>\n Returning football legends include Wayne Rooney, Jermain Defoe, Joe Hart and Theo Walcott, as well as Lionesses legends Toni Duggan, Steph Houghton and Jill Scott.<\/p>\n “I can’t wait for this year’s Soccer Aid for UNICEF and to pull on the England shirt one more time for the 20th anniversary,” Rooney said.<\/p>\n “We want nothing less than an England win. The kids enjoy seeing football legends alongside their favorite celebrities and influencers on the same pitch.<\/p>\n “Last year, Coleen travelled to Poland<\/a> with UNICEF and saw first-hand how the money raised is supporting children with disabilities who fled the war in Ukraine<\/a>, so they can continue their education and simply be kids once again.”<\/p>\nWayne Rooney set to play in the upcoming Soccer Aid after co-managing the England side with Tyson Fury in 2025.\u00a0Getty<\/p>\n