Michael van Gerwen has the chance to silence critics regarding his recent inconsistent form at the World Matchplay, while Wessel Nijman is fast becoming a formidable contender at Blackpool. The 2026 World Matchplay kicks off on Saturday at the Winter Garden and can be viewed live on Sky Sports. Here are five key insights ahead of Round 1.
Van Gerwen Faces Pressure in World Rankings
The three-time World Matchplay champion, Michael van Gerwen, arrives in Blackpool under unprecedented pressure, striving to defend the £100,000 ranking he earned after his loss to Luke Humphries in 2024. A defeat in the first round against Andrew Gilding could see Van Gerwen slip to No. 7 in the global rankings.
This year, Van Gerwen has displayed glimpses of his former world No. 1 brilliance, clinching titles at the World Series and the Players Championship in Leicester. However, he’s also exhibited vulnerabilities, often averaging in the mid-80s during Pro Tour and Euro Tour events.
To prevent further decline in the rankings, he must find the form he displayed during the Players Championship 15, where he demolished Martin Schindler with a stunning average of 122.34 points on the way to a 7-0 semifinal victory.
Gilding poses a significant challenge in the first round. Having recently defeated Van Gerwen 6-4 during the European tour, he has shown remarkable precision, missing only one shot on the double. Gilding also secured a notable victory over Van Gerwen in the 2023 British Open final.
Knoppert and Cross Set for Exciting Duel
The PDC has potentially saved a thrilling matchup for Monday night, featuring Danny Knoppert facing Rob Cross in the opening round. Broadcast live on Sky Sports, this clash promises high stakes.
Despite a successful 2025 season, Knoppert narrowly missed out on the Premier League in 2026. He reached the quarter-finals of the Winmau World Masters and the British Open and made it to the semi-finals of both the Grand Slam and the European Championships. However, recent performances have been subpar, advancing beyond the quarter-finals only twice on the Euro Tour this year.
Conversely, Rob Cross is on a different trajectory. After a challenging 2025, he managed just one ranking event win in February and failed to qualify for the Premier League playoffs. Nonetheless, he has made strides in recent months, securing a spot in Blackpool through the Pro Tour merit standings.
The stakes are high for Cross, who could face Gerwyn Price if he overcomes Knoppert. With a chance to reclaim his form, he could make a deep run at the Winter Garden, potentially knocking out major contenders along the way.
Nijman Emerges as a Contender
Wessel Nijman is making waves in the darts community, having qualified for the tournament as a top 16 seed after a strong showing on the 2026 Pro Tour, where he clinched six Players Championship titles and two European Tour trophies.
At just 26, he is the only player in the field without a nickname—an intentional choice, as he finds them unnecessary. Though he has yet to penetrate the latter stages of a significant tournament, his efforts in 2026 could mark a turning point in his career.
Nijman’s average in six Pro Tour victories has never dipped below 95, with his highest average reaching 102.78 at Players Championship 2. Following a promising debut last year, where he defeated Nathan Aspinall, he is eager to build on that momentum this year against opponent Dave Chisnall, who secured his place by performing well in the Players Championship semifinals.
Sonnefeld Aiming for Upset
Niels Sonnefeld is set to make his World Matchplay debut and aims to continue his recent surge. After earning a spot through the Pro Tour’s Order of Merit, he has demonstrated significant talent by reaching the semi-finals twice on the European Tour and consistently finishing in the top eight events.
His standout moment came at the Belgian Darts Open, where he became the first player to defeat world No. 1 Luke Littler, clinching a 6-5 victory with a remarkable 147 checkout. Sonnefeld will face Stephen Bunting in the first round, a player who has struggled to find form this year and is still looking for his first Euro or Pro Tour win.
Defending Champion Littler Looks to Make History
Reigning champion Luke Littler is determined to join the ranks of Phil Taylor and Van Gerwen as the only players to successfully defend their title at the Winter Garden. After a tumultuous start in his first World Matchplay appearance, Littler showcased his skill in 2025, achieving remarkable comebacks and ultimately winning the championship.
With recent victories in major tournaments, including the World Championship and the British Open, Littler enters Blackpool filled with confidence. While set to face Nico Springer in Round 1, their only prior encounter had Littler narrowly winning 6-5 at Players Championship 5 last year—a match that featured breakneck scoring from both players.
The long format of the match will allow Littler to harness his aiming capabilities, presenting a formidable challenge for Springer as they both vie for advancement in the tournament.
World Matchplay Schedule on Sky Sports
The World Matchplay is set to unfold from Saturday, July 18, to Sunday, July 26. All nine days of competition will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 7 PM on the opening day.
