How to watch World Matchplay 2026 live on TV and online in the UK, USA and Australia
PDCSunday, 05 July 2026 at 09:01
The World Matchplay is upon us in the coming days between Saturday 18 July and Sunday 26 July with Luke Littler as defending champion at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in the tournament seen by many as the second biggest of the year behind the World Darts Championship.
ADVERTISEMENT
The World Matchplay gets underway on Saturday 18 July with the opening four first-round matches. Coverage begins at 7:00pm. A day later, on Sunday 19 July, there is a double session, with play taking place in both the afternoon and evening. The afternoon session starts at 1:00pm, while the evening session gets underway at 7:00pm.
The first round concludes on Monday 20 July, with the evening session also beginning at 7:00pm. Attention then turns to the second round on Tuesday 21 July and Wednesday 22 July, with both sessions taking place in the evening and starting at 7:00pm.
From the quarter-finals onwards, the schedule shifts slightly. The quarter-finals on Thursday 23 July and Friday 24 July begin at 8:00pm, while the semi-finals on Saturday 25 July also start at 8:00pm. The tournament concludes with the final on Sunday, 26 July, which is also scheduled to begin at 8:00pm.
Read also
Where to watch World Matchplay?
The World Matchplay is shown in the UK in full on Sky Sports solely with it differing from day to day as to which channel it is on from Action to Main Event. All channels are below in our handy TV Guide.
In the USA, they have recently signed a deal with ESPN so unlike before where PDCTV had to be used it will now be on the main channel. This was seen as a major coup on the day that the US Darts Masters started.
ADVERTISEMENT
Littler most recently managed to win the World Matchplay, completing the "Triple Crown" in darts.
In previous years, Fox and Sky in Australia and New Zealand have shown the tournament. While in Netherlands, Iceland and Scandinavia, it is Viaplay.
Czechia and Slovakia likely it will be Nova, while in France L'Equipe showed it last year. AMC in Hungary while in Belgium as ever will be VTM. Same for Germany, Austria and Switzerland with DAZN. PDCTV also show the event for subscribers outside of the main countries as part of your yearly or monthly subscription.
How to watch World Matchplay on TV?
| Date | Round | Time | Channel |
| Saturday 18 July | First Round | 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Action |
| Sunday 19 July | First Round | 1:00pm – 5:00pm (Afternoon Session) | Sky Sports Action |
| Sunday 19 July | First Round | 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Monday 20 July | First Round | 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Tuesday 21 July | Second Round | 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Wednesday 22 July | Second Round | 7:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Thursday 23 July | Quarter-Finals | 8:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Friday 24 July | Quarter-Finals | 8:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Saturday 25 July | Semi-Finals | 8:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
| Sunday 26 July | Final | 8:00pm – 11:00pm (Evening Session) | Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports Action |
ADVERTISEMENT
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- I agree that this season the format was a bit stale, it would be better to have some new faces rotated in through the season. I also think they should vary the format a bit as it doesn't count for rankings, they could have different varieties of 501 (e.g. double start) or just different challenges.mikedarts03-07-2026
- I don't really understand why its an issue that Littler doesn't play in the events, they are barely televised so there is no draw for marketing and it gives the other players a better chance to define their narratives. The events are more of a throw back to old events. I agree that the format should be looked at, I don't know why they don't do a more interesting format or vary it through the season to improve interestmikedarts03-07-2026
- This shows they have the prize money structure wrong then (and OoM as a result). Put more £ into the floor, less on the TV and you'll attract more players to attend more often.BandB03-07-2026
- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Laura looking fantastic and obviously has a hidden talent as a dart player. It was so nice to see her shock and joy of hitting that triple 20 I miss Laura, she was excellent and very knowledgeable regarding darts. Can you imagine that dozy wooden air head Emma Paton from SKY being able to do that, she'd hold the dart the wrong way round.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Otherwise known as The Fishmedinabello24-06-2026
Loading