John Higgins vs Ali Carter Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Snooker Championship | First Round

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Four-time champion John Higgins, who has been one of the form players this season, takes on two-time finalist Ali Carter in the first round at the Crucible.

Kick-off date/time:

How to watch on TV: UK – BBC & TNT Sports / USA – Not televised

How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website & HBO Max / USA – Cannot be streamed

Tickets: Visit here for the latest ticket information

John Higgins vs Ali Carter prediction

It's been another high-performing year for all-time great John Higgins, who has done everything but win a title in 2025-26. The four-time world champion reached three finals, the Masters one of them, as he shows no signs of slowing down at the age of 50.

Having reached at least the quarter-finals in each of his last three appearances in Sheffield, few would back against the Wizard of Wishaw enjoying another deep run this time around.

Standing in his way is a man who also knows what it takes to perform on the Crucible stage, although two-time runner-up Ali Carter hasn't reached those levels in Sheffield for some time.

Indeed, the Captain hasn't won a game at the worlds since 2019, and this is one of the toughest openers he could have been handed. This after a year which has seen the 46-year-old lose in the first round of several events. 

In what is the first ever World Championship meeting between the two, all signs point to a Higgins victory here.

John Higgins vs Ali Carter tip: John Higgins to win