World Cup of Darts 2026
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The PDC World Cup of Darts is nearly here, and darts fans are already calling it one of the strongest editions ever. With powerhouse nations like England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland bringing elite pairs to Frankfurt, the 2026 World Cup of Darts could deliver the best doubles darts we’ve ever seen.
The tournament takes place from 11–14 June in Frankfurt and features 40 nations competing in pairs-format darts, one of the most entertaining formats in the PDC calendar.
Why the World Cup of Darts Is Different
Unlike the PDC World Championship or Premier League Darts, the World Cup is all about teamwork, chemistry and pressure doubles. You can average 105 individually, but if your partner misses doubles under pressure, you’re heading home.
That’s why the tournament regularly produces huge upsets, emotional celebrations and some genuinely hilarious moments.
The crowd atmosphere in Germany also makes this event unique. Fans arrive dressed as Vikings, bananas, superheroes and even beer mugs. One year, Iceland’s team entered to thunderous Viking chants that nearly shook the arena.
England: The Dream Team
Likely players:
Luke Littler
Luke Humphries
England are overwhelming favourites heading into the 2026 World Cup of Darts. Littler and Humphries are ranked world No.1 and No.2 respectively and return after a disappointing early exit last year.
Littler has become the biggest star in world darts after his incredible rise, while Humphries remains one of the most consistent scorers on the tour.
England’s chances of winning
Very high — around 40–45%.
If they click as a partnership, they could dominate the field. The concern? Doubles pressure. Last year showed that even the best individual players can struggle in pairs.
Still, this looks like the strongest England pairing since the Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis era.
Netherlands: Dangerous as Always
Likely players:
Michael van Gerwen
Gian van Veen
The Dutch always take the World Cup seriously, and Michael van Gerwen remains one of the most intimidating players in darts history. The exciting part is Gian van Veen. Many darts fans believe he’s the future of Dutch darts after several huge performances over the last two seasons.
Netherlands’ chances of winning
Very high — around 20%.
If Van Gerwen finds his best form, the Netherlands could absolutely beat England. Their chemistry and experience in doubles matches give them a real edge.
Northern Ireland: The Defending Champions
Likely players:
Josh Rock
Daryl Gurney
Northern Ireland shocked many fans by winning the 2025 World Cup after a dramatic final. Josh Rock has become one of the most explosive scorers in world darts, while Daryl Gurney brings experience, aggression and emotional intensity.
Northern Ireland’s chances of winning
Strong — around 15%.
They may not be tournament favourites, but nobody wants to face them in a short-format knockout game.
Scotland: The Dark Horse Pick
Likely players:
Gary Anderson
Cameron Menzies
Gary Anderson still has one of the smoothest throws in darts history, and Cameron Menzies brings chaos, energy and unpredictability. Menzies has become a fan favourite because he openly talks to himself on stage, celebrates wildly and sometimes looks close to a nervous breakdown during matches.
Scotland’s chances of winning
Solid — around 10%.
If Anderson starts firing maximums, Scotland could beat anyone.
Wales: Huge Blow Before the Tournament
Likely players:
Jonny Clayton
Nick Kenny
Wales suffered a major setback after Gerwyn Price withdrew from the tournament unexpectedly. That changes everything. Price and Clayton were previously one of the strongest partnerships in World Cup history.
Wales’ chances of winning
Outside chance — around 5%.
Clayton is brilliant in team events, but replacing Price is almost impossible.
Germany Could Make Another Deep Run
Likely players:
Martin Schindler
Ricardo Pietreczko
German darts continues to grow massively, and the Frankfurt crowd gives Germany a huge advantage. Last year they stunned England, proving how dangerous they can be on home soil.
Germany’s chances of winning
Dark horse — around 7%.
If the crowd gets involved, they become extremely difficult to beat.
Players to Watch in Frankfurt
Luke Littler
The biggest name in darts right now. Littler has transformed the sport’s popularity and keeps breaking records at an absurd rate.
Josh Rock
Many insiders believe Josh Rock could become world champion within the next few years.
Gian van Veen
Van Veen is rapidly becoming one of the most feared scorers on tour and looks ready for a huge televised title.
Cameron Menzies
Win or lose, Cameron Menzies almost guarantees entertainment.
Final Prediction
- England
- Netherlands
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
England probably have too much scoring power for the rest of the field, but the World Cup of Darts always produces drama. One missed double can completely change the tournament. And that’s exactly why darts fans love it!