​The 2026 World Matchplay of Darts first-round draw has been revealed, with Littler and several other contenders discovering their opponents who originally appeared in The Sporting News. The Sporting News is being featured as a preferred source, and you can add it to your favorites by clicking here. This week marks the confirmation of the 32-player field for the 2026 World Matchplay. The field comprises the top 16 players on the Order of Merit (OoM) and the top 16 players from the Pro Tour OoM, with the exact Pro Tour opponent for each seed to be determined as the draw unfolds. The draw is scheduled to take place at approximately 7:00 p.m. BST on Thursday.
The anticipated first-round matchups, as currently listed, include a mix of rising stars and established veterans. Luke Littler is paired with an opponent to be decided, while the 16th seed Nathan Aspinall is set to face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. The eighth seed Josh Rock will face a TBD, and the ninth seed Stephen Bunting also awaits his first-round opponent. In the fourth seed slot, Michael van Gerwen is matched with an opponent to be confirmed, with the 13th seed Chris Dobey similarly waiting for his round-one opponent. The fifth seed Jonny Clayton is drawn against a TBD, and the 12th seed Gary Anderson will also wait for his opponent from the Pro Tour.
In the second segment, the 2nd seed Luke Humphries is paired with a TBD, while the 15th seed Ross Smith is set to meet a foe who has not yet been revealed. The seventh seed Gerwyn Price will face a TBD, and the 10th seed Danny Noppert is likewise awaiting an opponent. The third seed Gian van Veen is matched with a TBD, and the 14th seed Wessel Nijman is in the same position. Finally, the sixth seed James Wade is drawn against a TBD, with the 11th seed Ryan Searle also waiting for his first-round adversary.
This tournament continues to build anticipation around the young talents and veteran champions who make up the field, including Luke Littler, whose presence has generated significant interest across the darts world. Littler’s trajectory has been marked by rapid ascent, notable performances, and burgeoning endorsements, making him a focal point of media attention ahead of the event. In addition to the draw, discussions have surged about Littler’s contract milestones and historic endorsement deals, underscoring the broader spotlight on the sport’s next generation of stars.
The 2026 World Matchplay has already drawn attention for its prize money and format, with fans eager to see how the seedings translate into dramatic first-round clashes. The event remains a cornerstone of the darts calendar, offering a platform for up-and-coming players to test themselves against established elite, while giving established stars opportunities to reaffirm their dominance. As the first-round matchups become clearer in the days ahead, supporters will be watching closely to see which seeds will secure favorable positions and which programs from the Pro Tour’s OoM will advance to the next stage, potentially altering the championship landscape for the year.