Goodison Park is about to get loud again. Game4Hope, a charity match packed with football legends, kicks off at 4.45pm BST on Saturday 26 September.
Everton favourite Tim Cahill captains a Merseyside XI against a Rest of the World XI led by Rivaldo. Robbie Fowler, Clarence Seedorf and Cafu are all in the line-up.
The match raises money for Everton in the Community and Shelter. Both work to tackle homelessness.
Game4Hope Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Date | Saturday, 26 September 2026 |
| Kick-off | 4:45 PM BST |
| Venue | Goodison Park, 8 Goodison Road, Liverpool L4 4EL |
| TV | Channel 5, with coverage from 4:00 PM |
| Half-time act | Tinie Tempah |
| Cause | Everton in the Community and Shelter |
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Why Game4Hope Moved to Goodison Park
Game4Hope was first planned for Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton’s new home on the Mersey waterfront. On 18 September, the club announced a switch to Goodison Park. The kick-off time stayed the same.
Ticket holders do not need to act. Everton says its Fan Centre and Premium teams will contact buyers about revised arrangements.
Football Ground Guide noted that new road restrictions around Hill Dickinson Stadium also begin on 26 September. Drivers face fines of up to £1,000 for certain breaches. The site put the overlap down to timing and did not say it caused the move.
For fans, the change carries some history. Soccerway says Goodison Park was Everton’s home from 1892. It also says the ground hosted more top-flight games than any other stadium in England.
The last Merseyside derby there came in February 2025. Liverpool led late through Mohamed Salah, and James Tarkowski equalised for Everton in a 2-2 draw, according to Al Jazeera. Saturday will feel very different, because Everton says the day brings Blues, Reds and football supporters from across the region together.
Game4Hope Squads: Who Plays for Each Side
Merseyside XI
Peter Reid and John Barnes manage this side together. Reid is an Everton great and Barnes is a Liverpool icon. The Guide Liverpool says they will unite both clubs’ greats for a cause beyond football.
Former Everton players:
- Tim Cahill (captain)
- Leighton Baines
- Gareth Barry
- Phil Jagielka
- Joleon Lescott
- Louis Saha
- Yakubu
Former Liverpool players:
- Robbie Fowler
- David James
- Ryan Babel
- Jari Litmanen
- John Aldridge
Famous fans in the squad include Tony Bellew, Big Zuu, Molly McCann, Still Ryan, James Nelson-Joyce and John Bishop, according to Everton News.
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Rest of the World XI
Rivaldo captains this side, and Football Ground Guide lists Seedorf as co-captain. The named players are:
- Rivaldo
- Cafu
- Clarence Seedorf
- Jaap Stam
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
- Mustapha Hadji
- Des Walker
- Rachel Yankey
- Chelcee Grimes
Tim Cahill Leads Team Merseyside Back Home
Cahill spent eight years at Goodison Park. He played more than 270 games and scored 68 goals, according to Yahoo Sports. His corner-flag celebration became his trademark.
Supporters now get to welcome him back as he leads out Team Merseyside. Baines, Jagielka, Barry, Saha and Lescott also get another walk out at the ground the club calls the Grand Old Lady.
Fowler brings his own derby history. Soccerway’s recap of Liverpool’s 3-2 win at Goodison in 2000/01 mentions a Fowler goal. On Saturday he shares a team with Everton players.
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Rivaldo and Cafu Return to a Familiar Ground
Rivaldo and Cafu, both Brazil World Cup winners, have been here before. Brazil played at Goodison Park in the 1995 Umbro Cup and beat Japan, according to Everton. Bet365 News says both players featured in that game.
That was more than 30 years ago. Now they return for a good cause, wearing different colours.
Stam and Hasselbaink are familiar faces from English football. Seedorf brings a long career in Europe.
Women Players at Game4Hope
Yahoo Sports says the event features a number of famous women players. Toni Duggan and Natasha Dowie play for Merseyside. Rachel Yankey and Chelcee Grimes join the Rest of the World XI.
Yankey is a seven-time Women’s Premier League winner, according to the same report.
The Cause Behind Game4Hope
Game4Hope raises funds and awareness for Everton in the Community and Shelter. Both groups support people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Merseyside and beyond, according to Everton.
The club calls this the first Game4Hope. It says football can shine a light on one of the biggest problems facing people across the country.
Yahoo Sports described the format as a Soccer Aid-style charity showdown. Lester Holcombe, chief executive of Legends Soccer Group, said every ticket sold helps support the charities’ work.
Organisers have planned a full day around the football. Fans can expect live music, famous guests, food and family fun. Holcombe said the event suits every age.
FAQ
When and where is Game4Hope?
Game4Hope is on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Goodison Park in Liverpool. Kick-off is at 4.45pm BST. Everton first planned it for Hill Dickinson Stadium and announced the switch on 18 September.
How can I watch Game4Hope on TV?
Read Everton reports that Channel 5 shows the game live. Coverage starts at 4pm BST, which gives viewers 45 minutes of build-up before kick-off. Check Channel 5 listings on the day for full details.
Who plays for the Merseyside XI?
Tim Cahill captains the side. Former Everton and Liverpool players fill the squad, and Peter Reid and John Barnes are the joint managers. Fowler, Baines, Jagielka and Saha are among the names.
Which stars play for the Rest of the World XI?
Rivaldo captains the side. Cafu, Seedorf, Stam, Hasselbaink, Hadji, Walker, Rachel Yankey and Chelcee Grimes are also named.
I bought tickets for Hill Dickinson Stadium. What now?
Everton says existing ticket and premium package holders do not need to act. The club’s Fan Centre and Premium teams will contact buyers directly with revised arrangements.
Who benefits from Game4Hope?
The match raises funds for Everton in the Community and Shelter. Both groups work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Everton says the event also aims to raise awareness of the issue.
