When does Luke Littler play at the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts? Schedule, opponents and more

· Yahoo Sports

When does Luke Littler play at the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts? Schedule, opponents and more originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.

Luke Littler headlines the group of 32 players heading to Blackpool for the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts.

He was the winner of the event last summer, and in his attempt to win every major on the 2026 PDC calendar, he'll look to defend his title in Blackpool to continue that historic streak.

It's one of the hardest tournaments to win, though, so let's take a look at what a route to the title looks like for him.

When does Luke Littler play at the 2026 World Matchplay of Darts? Schedule, opponents and more

Here is what to expect with Littler's schedule and potential opponents.

Route to title

RoundOpponentDate: Time (local)First roundNiko SpringerSat. July 18Second roundNathan AspinallTues. July 21: 9:15 p.m.QuarterfinalsJosh RockThurs. July 23: 9:30 p.m.SemifinalsDirk van DuijvenbodeSat. July 25: 9:40 p.m.FinalGerwyn PriceSun. July 26: 8:10 p.m.First round

Littler plays an unseeded Niko Springer, who is making his Matchplay debut, in the first round on Saturday.

The two players have only faced off in the PDC once before, with Littler winning a PC event 6-5 last year. Both players averaged over 102 in that match, and combined for 10 180s.

MORE: 2026 World Matchplay of Darts first round predictions and previews: 6 seeds heading home early?

Second round

Luke Littler and Nathan Aspinall both had impressive 105+ averages in their first-round matches.

They're now set to clash in the second round for a spot in the quarterfinal.

Despite Aspinall being the lowest-number seed in the event, he's playing far from that label, and we could be in for an entertaining contest between them.

Quarterfinals

Littler is coming off one of the best games of his career, and will face Josh Rock in the quarterfinals.

This is the second straight year the two will play in Blackpool, as one of the two will return to the semifinals for the second straight year as well.

Semifinal

Luke Littler is in a second straight Matchplay semifinal, and will take on Dirk van Duijvenbode, the only unseeded player remaining.

Final

Littler is in yet another major final, and he'll resume his rivalry with Gerwyn Price, whom he's already beaten in multiple matches at major events in 2026.

*Visit The Sporting News' Darts page to stay updated on all news from the 2026 World Matchplay. This article will be updated if and when Littler advances throughout the event

More Darts articles:

Read full story at source