How to watch World Matchplay 2026 live on TV and online in the UK, USA and Australia

The 2026 World Matchplay is set to take centre stage at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool, running from Saturday, July 18, to Sunday, July 26. Widely regarded as the second most prestigious tournament on the PDC calendar behind the World Darts Championship, this year’s event sees Luke Littler return as the defending champion after his memorable triumph 12 months ago.

The action begins on Saturday evening with the opening four first-round matches, with coverage starting at 7:00pm. Fans can then enjoy a double-header on Sunday, July 19, featuring an afternoon session from 1:00pm followed by an evening session beginning at 7:00pm.

The first round wraps up on Monday, July 20, with play getting underway at 7:00pm. The second round follows across Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, with both sessions also scheduled to start at 7:00pm.

From the quarter-finals onwards, the tournament switches to an 8:00pm start time. The last eight will be played on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, before the semi-finals take place on Saturday, July 25. The tournament reaches its conclusion on Sunday, July 26, when the finalists battle for the coveted Phil Taylor Trophy from 8:00pm.

Where to watch the World Matchplay

UK viewers can watch every session live on Sky Sports, with coverage split between Sky Sports Action and Sky Sports Main Event depending on the day.

Fans in the United States will be able to watch the tournament live on ESPN following the broadcaster’s recent agreement with the PDC. The move marks a significant boost for the sport in America after previous editions were primarily available through PDCTV.

Littler heads into the tournament as the reigning champion after lifting the World Matchplay title last year, completing darts’ coveted Triple Crown.

International broadcasters will also provide extensive coverage across the globe. Viaplay holds the rights in the Netherlands, Iceland and Scandinavia, while viewers in Australia and New Zealand can tune in through Fox and Sky. Nova is expected to broadcast the event in Czechia and Slovakia, L’Équipe will provide coverage in France, AMC remains the broadcaster in Hungary, VTM serves Belgium, and DAZN carries the tournament in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Supporters outside the main broadcast territories can stream every match through PDCTV with a monthly or annual subscription.

2026 World Matchplay TV Schedule