Betfred World Matchplay 2026 Draw | Littler to launch title defence against Springer
The draw for the 2026 Betfred World Matchplay is confirmed, with Luke Littler set to begin his title defence against Niko Springer in Blackpool.
The 33rd staging of the Betfred World Matchplay will take place from July 18-26 at the iconic Winter Gardens, as a star-studded 32-player field competes for the Phil Taylor Trophy and a record top prize of £225,000.
Littler is aiming to become only the fourth player in history to retain the coveted title, though he faces a tough opener against German star Springer – one of four debutants in this year’s summer showpiece.
The opening round sees the world’s top 16 players drawn against the top 16 qualifiers from the one-year ProTour Rankings, as 2024 champion Luke Humphries takes on Scottish number two Cameron Menzies.
Michael van Gerwen begins his bid for a fourth World Matchplay title against Andrew Gilding in a repeat of the 2023 UK Open final, while World Championship finalist Gian van Veen kicks off his campaign against Polish icon Krzysztof Ratajski.
James Wade – champion in 2007 and runner-up to Littler last year – faces Jermaine Wattimena, with former finalists Jonny Clayton and Gerwyn Price pitted against Damon Heta and Martin Schindler respectively.
Last year’s semi-finalist Josh Rock returns to the Empress Ballroom to take on ProTour leader Luke Woodhouse, while Danny Noppert has been handed a tough tie against 2019 champion Rob Cross.
Gary Anderson, the 2018 champion, begins his latest title tilt against Ryan Joyce, while 2023 champion Nathan Aspinall locks horns with Joe Cullen in a repeat of their semi-final showdown from three years ago.
Meanwhile, Wessel Nijman – a winner of eight ProTour titles in 2026 – goes head-to-head with five-time quarter-finalist Dave Chisnall, who sealed his qualification in last-gasp fashion earlier this week.
Former European Champion Ross Smith takes on Dutch debutant Kevin Doets, as ninth seed Stephen Bunting meets another Blackpool newcomer in Niels Zonneveld.
Former finalist Jonny Clayton meets Aussie number one Damon Heta, while 11th seed Ryan Searle will take on Irish debutant William O’Connor and 13th seed Chris Dobey faces Dutch ace Dirk van Duijvenbode.
The full schedule of play will be confirmed in due course.
Betfred World Matchplay 2026 Draw
Luke Littler (1) v Niko Springer
Nathan Aspinall (16) v Joe Cullen
Josh Rock (8) v Luke Woodhouse
Stephen Bunting (9) v Niels Zonneveld
Michael van Gerwen (4) v Andrew Gilding
Chris Dobey (13) v Dirk van Duijvenbode
Jonny Clayton (5) v Damon Heta
Gary Anderson (12) v Ryan Joyce
Luke Humphries (2) v Cameron Menzies
Ross Smith (15) v Kevin Doets
Gerwyn Price (7) v Martin Schindler
Danny Noppert (10) v Rob Cross
Gian van Veen (3) v Krzysztof Ratajski
Wessel Nijman (14) v Dave Chisnall
James Wade (6) v Jermaine Wattimena
Ryan Searle (11) v William O’Connor
