The Sidemen Charity Match has evolved from a one-off YouTube idea into one of the biggest creator football fixtures in the world, and the 2026 edition is set to be the most ambitious yet. On Saturday, 18 April 2026, Sidemen FC returns to Wembley Stadium in London for a sold-out clash against the YouTube All-Stars, with a 3:00 p.m. BST kick-off and a free official livestream on YouTube.
This year’s Sidemen Charity Match will once again raise money for partner charities, including Bright Side and M7 Education, building on a track record that has already delivered more than £10 million to causes such as mental health support, children’s hospitals, and youth programs. The 2026 lineup features the core Sidemen alongside a stacked roster of global creators selected via a draft-style reveal, creating huge buzz across social platforms. For fans, that means another high-energy, meme-filled 90 minutes that blends football, entertainment, and charity into a uniquely modern sporting experience.
What Is the Sidemen Charity Match?
The Sidemen Charity Match is an annual influencer football game organized by the Sidemen, a UK-based YouTube group known for their football challenges, vlogs, and collaborative content. The match pits Sidemen FC against the YouTube Allstars, with both teams made up of creators, streamers, and online personalities rather than professional footballers.
Key characteristics of the Sidemen Charity Match:
A full 11-a-side football match played to official rules.
Hosted at major stadiums, including The Valley, London Stadium, and now Wembley.
All ticket profits and livestream donations go to selected charities.
The game is streamed live on YouTube, drawing millions of concurrent viewers.
According to historical summaries, the Sidemen Charity Match has steadily grown in scale and impact, with each edition setting new records for attendance, viewership, and fundraising.
Sidemen Charity Match 2026: Date, Venue, and Format
3.1 Official Date and Kick-Off Time
The Sidemen Charity Match 2026 will take place on:
Date: Saturday, 18 April 2026
Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. BST
Stadium gates / stream start: The official stream is scheduled to start at around 2:10 p.m. BST on YouTube, giving fans time to tune in before kick-off.
These details are confirmed by event listings, broadcaster information, and the official match stream description.
3.2 Venue: Wembley Stadium
For the second time, the Sidemen Charity Match returns to Wembley Stadium, one of the most iconic football grounds in the world.
Highlights of this venue choice:
Capacity of around 90,000, making it one of the largest stadiums to ever host a creator football match.
Home to major fixtures such as FA Cup finals, England home games, and international events.
Central London location with strong transport links, making it accessible for fans from across the UK and abroad.
Wembley’s own event page describes the 2026 match as “a spectacular football match featuring some of the biggest creators from around the world” in aid of Bright Side and M7 Education.
3.3 Match Format and Teams
The Sidemen Charity Match 2026 follows the now-established format:
Teams: Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars
Match length: Standard 90 minutes plus added time
Result: Typically settled within 90 minutes; previous editions have featured high-scoring games rather than defensive battles.
One twist this year is that some Sidemen members will reportedly feature on the Allstars side, adding extra intrigue to the lineups and dynamics.
Sidemen Charity Match 2026 Lineup: Who’s Playing?
The full Sidemen Charity Match 2026 lineup was revealed in a draft-style video and across social media, generating significant fan discussion. While lineups can change due to injuries or scheduling, the announced squads feature a mix of returning fan favorites and new faces.
4.1 Notable Sidemen FC Players
Based on lineup reports and coverage:
Simon “Miniminter” Minter – Usually operates in attacking roles, known for his passing and finishing.
Ethan “Behzinga” Payne – Combative midfielder/defender with high work rate.
Tobi “TBJZL” Brown – Pace, creativity, and technical ability in forward areas.
Zerkaa, W2S (Harry), Vikkstar123, and Deji – Long-time Sidemen regulars contributing to squad depth and fan appeal.
Some previous editions have seen KSI or other Sidemen swap sides or take cameo roles, and 2026 continues to play with that formula.
4.2 Notable YouTube Allstars Players
The YouTube Allstars team pulls from a global pool of creators, with the 2026 squad including:
International creators: Ibai, Squeezie, El Rubius, and other European and global stars.
Tech and commentary creators: Mrwhosetheboss and others representing different corners of YouTube.
Streaming and gaming personalities: Names like AngryGinge, Fanum, and additional Twitch/YouTube Gaming creators.
This balance gives the match both local and international appeal, with fans tuning in to support their favorite creators, not just the Sidemen.
Ibai, Squeezie, El Rubius, Mrwhosetheboss, AngryGinge, Fanum
Exact lineups and positions may change before kick-off, so fans often check the latest posts on social media and coverage from outlets like Sportskeeda for any last-minute updates.
Charities and Impact: How Much Has the Sidemen Charity Match Raised?
One of the key reasons the Sidemen Charity Match stands out is its charitable impact.
5.1 Charities Supported in 2026
The Wembley event confirms that the 2026 match will support:
Bright Side – A charity focused on youth well-being and mental health initiatives.
M7 Education – An organization aimed at expanding educational opportunities for young people.
These charities follow a pattern from previous years, where beneficiaries have included CALM, Rays of Sunshine, and Children In Need.
5.2 Fundraising Totals to Date
Event documentation and social posts suggest that:
Across all editions, the Sidemen Charity Matches have collectively raised over £10 million for various charities, including mental health services and children’s organizations.
In recent years, individual matches have passed the seven-figure mark in donations, driven by ticket sales, sponsorships, and YouTube donations.
For broader context on UK charity fundraising and regulations, the Charity Commission for England and Wales provides detailed guidance on how large fundraising events are governed and reported.
You can read more about charity regulation and transparency at:
According to community summaries and event listings, tickets for the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 were priced in accessible bands, typically around £15–£35 depending on seating location. This keeps the event affordable for younger fans and families while still raising a substantial amount for charity.
6.2 Sell-Out Speed
The 2026 match sold out extremely quickly, with reports that Wembley was filled within a couple of hours of tickets going on sale. This is consistent with previous years, where demand has far exceeded supply.
If you’re planning to attend future editions:
Sign up for email alerts on the official Sidemen site or Wembley’s event page.
Follow the Sidemen on platforms like Instagram and X (Twitter) for first announcements.
Be prepared to buy as soon as tickets go live, as they rarely last beyond the first day.
How to Watch the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 Live
7.1 Official YouTube Livestream
The primary way to watch the Sidemen Charity Match is via the official YouTube stream:
Channel: Sidemen (official Sidemen channel)
Stream start: Around 2:10 p.m. BST
Kick-off: 3:00 p.m. BST
Link: Announced via SidemenFC.com and Sidemen social media.
Watching is free, but viewers are encouraged to donate via links in the stream description, which connect directly to the featured charities.
7.2 Broadcast and Highlights
Sports and entertainment outlets also provide:
Previews and lineup breakdowns, like ESPN’s “how to watch” guides.
Radio and podcast discussion leading up to and after the event.
Highlight compilations and reaction videos from creators and fans.
For example, ESPN has a dedicated page with viewing details, kick-off time, and team breakdowns:
Why the Sidemen Charity Match Matters for Football and Creator Culture
8.1 Blurring the Line Between Fans and Players
The Sidemen Charity Match shows how creator culture is reshaping sports. Instead of traditional pros, fans watch people they’ve followed for years on YouTube and Twitch play in a real stadium, in a real match, with real stakes for charity.
This bridges gaps between:
Traditional football fans and younger digital-first audiences.
Casual viewers and committed supporters who travel to Wembley.
Entertainment content and serious fundraising for important causes.
8.2 A New Model for Charity Events
Historically, charity matches have been organized by clubs, federations, or NGOs. The Sidemen Charity Match flips that model: creators themselves design and promote the event, while official venues and broadcasters support the infrastructure.
This model:
Proves that creator-owned IP can fill major stadiums.
Demonstrates how online communities can be mobilized for large-scale fundraising.
Offers a template for other creator groups and esports organizations to follow.
8.3 Mainstream Recognition
The event’s presence at Wembley and coverage from outlets like ESPN, TalkSPORT, and other mainstream sports media underscore how seriously the Sidemen Charity Match is now taken within the wider sports ecosystem.
For additional perspective on the role of sport and charity, you can explore research and case studies from organizations like Sport England, which examines how sport-based initiatives drive community impact and participation:
Whether you’re attending in person or watching the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 from home, these tips will help you get the most out of the experience.
9.1 If You’re Going to Wembley
Arrive early: Aim to get to Wembley at least 60–90 minutes before kick-off to clear security, find your seats, and enjoy pre-match content.
Check stadium rules: Review Wembley’s guidelines on bags, cameras, and prohibited items on the official website to avoid delays.
Plan your travel: Use public transport where possible and check for weekend engineering works on trains and the Underground.
9.2 If You’re Watching the Stream
Turn on notifications: Subscribe to the Sidemen channel and enable notifications so you don’t miss the stream going live.
Use donation links in the description: This ensures funds go directly through the official channels to the partner charities.
Watch with friends: Co-watch via Discord, group calls, or local viewing parties to maximize the fun and fan atmosphere.
9.3 As a Content Creator or Brand
Study the event as a case study: Analyze how the Sidemen structure their announcements, lineup reveals, and highlight content across platforms.
Respect the charitable focus: If you create reaction or highlight content, be transparent about whether you are encouraging donations or supporting the featured charities.
Consider partnerships for future years: Brands looking to reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha audiences can learn a lot from how this match integrates sponsors, entertainment, and social impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Sidemen Charity Match?
The Sidemen Charity Match is an annual football event organized by the Sidemen, featuring Sidemen FC vs YouTube Allstars, with proceeds going to charity.
When is the Sidemen Charity Match 2026?
The 2026 match takes place on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
Where is the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 being played?
It is held at Wembley Stadium.
What time does the match kick off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. BST, with the livestream starting around 2:10 p.m. BST.
How can I watch the Sidemen Charity Match 2026?
You can watch it for free on the official Sidemen YouTube channel via livestream.
How do I donate during the match?
Donation links are provided in the livestream description and on SidemenFC.com, directing funds to supported charities.
Which charities are supported in 2026?
The 2026 event supports Bright Side and M7 Education.
How much money has the Sidemen Charity Match raised?
Across all editions, the event has raised over £10 million for various charitable causes.
Who is playing in the Sidemen Charity Match 2026?
The lineup includes creators like Miniminter, Behzinga, TBJZL, Zerkaa, W2S, Vikkstar123, and Deji, alongside global creators.
Is the match suitable for families and younger fans?
Yes, it’s designed as a family-friendly event, though it still has a lively football atmosphere.
How quickly did tickets sell out?
Tickets sold out within hours due to extremely high demand.
Can I still get tickets?
If sold out, only official resale options or future matches are available—avoid unofficial sellers to prevent scams.
Will there be a Sidemen Charity Match 2027?
No official announcement yet, but future editions are highly likely given its popularity.
Do the players take the match seriously?
Yes, while fun, many participants train in advance and matches are often competitive.
Are there replays or highlights?
Yes, full replays and highlights are usually uploaded on YouTube after the event.
Is there an age limit for attending?
Policies depend on Wembley Stadium rules—generally, under-14s must be accompanied by an adult.
Can international fans attend?
Yes, many fans travel internationally, as Wembley is accessible from major London airports.
Where can I check official rules and safety information?
Visit Wembley Stadium’s official site and SidemenFC.com for event guidelines and safety details.
Conclusion
The Sidemen Charity Match 2026 is more than just a novelty game—it’s a landmark creator event that fills Wembley, raises millions for charity, and proves how powerful online communities can be when they rally around a shared cause. By bringing together some of the internet’s biggest personalities on one pitch, the Sidemen have built a tradition that now sits comfortably alongside mainstream sporting fixtures in terms of hype, production value, and cultural impact.
Whether you’re a long-time Sidemen fan, a casual football viewer, or a creator studying how to scale community events, this year’s match is a must-watch. Mark 18 April 2026 in your calendar, subscribe to the Sidemen YouTube channel, and bookmark SidemenFC.com so you’re ready when the stream goes live.
If you enjoy deep dives into the personalities and decisions shaping modern sport, you may also want to explore how high-profile officiating controversies have reshaped Formula 1. This detailed feature is a great place to start: Michael Masi: Latest News and His Impact on Formula 1.
Finally, if you’re inspired by what the Sidemen achieve each year, consider supporting similar sports-based charity initiatives in your own community, using guidance from organizations like the Charity Commission or Sport England to ensure your efforts are transparent, compliant, and impactful.
