JERMAIN DEFOE scored two brilliant lobs as England beat the World XI to win Soccer Aid 2026 at a packed London Stadium.
The former West Ham and Tottenham striker impressed in front of a host of Hollywood icons as Unicef raised a record-breaking £16.5MILLION on the night.
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Jermain Defoe scored two brilliant lobs as England beat the World XI to win Soccer Aid Credit: Shutterstock
Defoe’s second goal was a brilliant lob from more than 30 yards Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
There was glittering star power on display on the pitch and in the dugouts and stands as some of the best and brightest names in the entertainment industry descended on east London.
Film icons Tom Hanks and Tim Allen were on the pitch and actor Damson Idris opened the scoring but it was Defoe who sprinkled the most magic dust, as he became the all-time leading scorer at Soccer Aid with goals six and seven.
Both came as the game opened up in the second-half – as they usually do – when the ex-pros made way for the celebrity talent.
While comedian Chris O’Dowd had drawn gasps from the crowd for his save from Theo Walcott early in the second-half, there was nothing he could do to stop two brilliant lobs from Defoe.
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The first was from close-range but the second was a piece of magic as he burst through the World XI’s high line to lob O’Dowd from more than 30 yards.
The crowd had been wowed earlier by a live rendition from pop icon Robbie Williams.
And, of course, charity was the big winner with the match raising another mega haul thanks to the generous donations of those in the crowd and at home.
ROW on top but England took the lead against the run of play, Damson Idris finishing neatly with the outside of his boot after being played through by Jermain Defoe.
Soccer Aid 2026 – all the info
Soccer Aid will take place at the London Stadium TONIGHT – and there’s a star-studded line-up for the 20th anniversary.
Wayne Rooney heads the England line-up filled with former internationals and high-profile celebrities.
The Three Lions are out for revenge after World XI secured the bragging rights with a 5-4 win at Old Trafford last year.
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Danny Dyer signing autographs for fans Credit: Shutterstock
Marvel Icon Tom Hiddlestone turned out for England Credit: Shutterstock
Tom Hanks and Tim Allen – as well as Jesse, Woody and Buzz – were among the many A-listers in attendance Credit: Shutterstock
The English fans will be glad they don’t have VAR in this one – even the commentary team admitted it was offside.
An exciting first 20 minutes saw the World XI dominate the opening exchanges of Soccer Aid 2026, with Joe Hart called into action on a couple of occassions.
Actor Nabhaan Rizwan was proving to be a real handful off the left.
He first forced Hart into an excellent tip over the bar from a first-time effort off a Behzinga cross, before being slid into a dangerous position by Dermot Kennedy only to shoot straight at the keeper.
Irish singer Kennedy, who looked like one of the pros such was the ease with which he strolled arounf the middle of the park, had put Rizwan through after nutmegging Joleon Lescott.
The World XI had very strong shout for a penalty after actor Owen Cooper clearly brought down Dimitar Berbatov – only for it to be waved off.
Behzinga then should have scored shortly after but his tame effort was straight at Hart.
Wayne Rooney was dictating play for England but the Three Lions were struggling to break down their opponents, with the visitors controlling possession.
Damson Idris fired England into the lead with a brilliant effort with the outside of his foot Credit: James Marsh/Shutterstock
Idris is mobbed by England team-mates after scoring the opener Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Idris looked offside but there was no VAR at the London Stadium
Wayne Rooney closes down Nemanja Matic in the early stages Credit: AFP via Getty Images
He had the whole stadium on his feet when he danced through midfield and went one-on-one with old pal Edwin van der Sar – only for the Manchester United legend to brilliantly save his effort onto the post.
The extended half-time break came with England boss and pop icon Robbie Williams getting one of the biggest roars of the night as he performed ‘Feel’ to 60,000 people inside the stadium and millions at home.
The second period started much the same with the World XI dominating possession.
AngryGinge cleared one off the line after comedian Maisie Adam pounced on Joe Marler’s error in goal, before fellow comedian Chris O’Dowd pulled off an absolute worldie of a save from Theo Walcott’s long-range effort.
As more and more celebs made their way onto the pitch the game became more open and it was England who took advantage.
Former Manchester United star Jade Moore slipped Jermain Defoe in and the ex-West Ham and Tottenham man dinked over O’Dowd to double the Three Lions’ lead.
That made him the outright top scorer in the competition with six – and just a couple of moments later he had his second and England’s third.
With the World XI pushing for a goal, they were caught high up the pitch and a quick long pass sent Defoe through, where he brilliantly lobbed O’Dowd from 30 yards out.
Michael Essien beat Joe Marler from long range Credit: Shutterstock
Tim Cahill scored a trademark header Credit: Yui Mok/PA Wire
Cahill made it 3-2 late on but England held on to win Credit: Shutterstock
Adolescence actor Owen Cooper, 16, impressed at right-back Credit: AFP via Getty Images
Lukas Podolski had the chance to get a goal back but hit the post after racing through on goal.
As the game got even more stretched, the World XI finally got a deserved goal through Michael Essien.
The Chelsea legend let loose a long-range strike and Marler – who provided a huge amount of entertainment in the crowd – couldn’t get enough on it.
It became even more nervy for England when Tim Cahill pulled back another goal, beating Ginge to a great cross to score a trademark header.
The World XI kept pushing for a late equaliser but England managed to stand up to the pressure and hold on for the win.
