Sidemen Charity Match 2026: Historic Format Change Announced for Wembley Showdown
The Return of Football’s Biggest Creator Event
The Sidemen have confirmed that their Charity Match will return in 2026, landing at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 18 April. This announcement has generated massive excitement within the YouTube community, as the event continues to grow in scale and impact. As of 2025, the events have raised over £8.5 million for various British charities.
A Revolutionary Format Change
In what marks the most significant shift in the event’s history, for the first time, the Sidemen themselves will be divided across opposing sides, lining up against one another in what is shaping up to be the fiercest edition of the match so far. Sidemen released a 21-second video to reveal that Olajide “JJ,” popularly known as “KSI,” will be playing for the YouTube All Stars XI, and not Sidemen FC, at the Charity Match 2026. This departure from tradition has sparked intense debate among fans who have grown accustomed to seeing all seven Sidemen members unite on one team.
Record-Breaking Success Continues
The event’s trajectory demonstrates remarkable growth. The 2025 match proved a major success, generating more than £4.7 million for charity. Given that the previous event sold out in under three hours, demand for 2026 is expected to be exceptionally high. The Sidemen Charity Match has established itself as a cultural phenomenon, with the fourth charity match, held in 2022, recognised by Guinness World Records for the highest live viewership on a YouTube charity sports match, peaking at over 2.5 million viewers.
Ticket Information and Accessibility
Tickets for the Sidemen Charity Match 2026 will cost between £15 and £35. Ticket pre-sales for Side+ subscribers will begin on Friday, January 30, 2026, with general ticket sales starting on Monday, February 2, 2026. This pricing strategy ensures accessibility for fans whilst supporting charitable causes.
Significance for the Digital Creator Community
The Sidemen Charity Match 2026 represents more than just entertainment—it demonstrates the power of digital creators to mobilise audiences for meaningful causes. The format change adds an element of unpredictability whilst maintaining the event’s charitable mission. As anticipation builds, the match promises to deliver another unforgettable spectacle that bridges online communities with real-world impact, setting new standards for creator-led charitable initiatives.