The 2026 World Cup of Darts is set to ignite with 40 nations battling it out across a two-stage tournament. Thirty-six teams will compete in a challenging group stage, with only the 12 group winners advancing to join the four seeded powerhouses in the knockout Last 16. England, featuring Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, enter as clear favorites, while defending champions Northern Ireland aim to retain their title. Expect thrilling clashes, potential upsets, and a return to the big stage for darts legend Michael van Gerwen, all promising an unforgettable spectacle.
The 2026 BetVictor World Cup of Darts promises an exhilarating display of international darts, bringing together 40 nations in a quest for global supremacy. The tournament unfolds in two distinct phases: a dynamic group stage followed by a high-stakes knockout bracket.
Tournament Format Explained
The competition begins with a comprehensive group stage involving 36 teams divided into 12 groups. Each group winner will then secure a coveted spot in the Last 16. These 12 qualifiers will be joined by the four top-seeded nations, who receive a bye directly into the knockout phase. The draw for the Last 16 will take place on Friday evening of the event, setting the stage for a dramatic single-elimination tournament.
The four seeded teams awaiting the group stage survivors are:
- (1) England
- (2) Netherlands
- (3) Northern Ireland
- (4) Scotland
Group Stage Highlights and Potential Shocks
The group stage draw has thrown up some intriguing matchups and potential narratives:
Wales’ Fortunate Draw
Despite the absence of star player Gerwyn Price – which cost them a seeded spot – Wales appears to have a relatively kind draw, facing Lithuania and Thailand. This could provide a smoother path to the knockout stages for the Welsh duo.
The “Group of Death”: Group G
Without a doubt, Group G stands out as the most anticipated and challenging group, featuring Australia, Canada, and the USA. On paper, it looks incredibly tough, especially considering that among the Canadian and USA teams, only Jim Long (Canada) currently holds a PDC tour card. This makes the group highly unpredictable and ripe for upsets.
Host Nation Hopes and Tough Encounters
- Germany, as the host nation, will be eager to make a deep run. However, they face a formidable challenge against the Philippines, a team that impressively reached the second round last year by defeating Belgium.
- Belgium will be looking for redemption as they face Slovenia, who are making a welcome return to the World Cup after a 16-year absence, and Hong Kong, who surprised many by reaching the Quarter-finals last year.
- The charismatic Devon Petersen will mark his PDC return, no doubt bringing his signature energy to the event for South Africa. They will contend with Sweden, featuring the in-form Jeffrey de Graaf, fresh off his recent PC19 victory.
Contenders for the Crown
England: The Clear Favorites
England, spearheaded by the formidable duo of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, are the undisputed favorites to lift the trophy. While they were also favorites last year, their campaign ended prematurely with a loss to Germany in front of a passionate home crowd. This year, the English team seems more focused and determined to go all the way, with Littler undoubtedly keen to add this prestigious title to his rapidly growing collection. It will be particularly interesting to observe the crowd’s reaction to Luke Littler in Germany, given his past experiences with boos and jeers at German events.
Northern Ireland: Defending Champions
Northern Ireland enters the event as the reigning champions, with Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock aiming to defend their title. Both players are in similar form to last year. While Rock has experienced an inconsistent spell in the Premier League, he recently secured a Euro Tour victory and remains a top-eight player in the world rankings. They will join the competition in the second round, eager to prove they can do it again.
The Netherlands: A Strong Return
The Dutch team sees the welcome return of darts icon Michael van Gerwen, who missed last year’s event. Partnering with the talented Gian van Veen, the Netherlands present a formidable challenge and are strong contenders for the title.
Scotland: Seeking Redemption
The other seeded team, Scotland, will feature the legendary Gary Anderson alongside debutant Cameron Menzies. Scotland will be eager to bounce back from a disappointing 8-0 loss to the Netherlands in last year’s Round of 16. The inclusion of Menzies, replacing an out-of-form Peter Wright, signals a fresh approach and renewed hope for the Scottish contingent.
Where to Watch
Catch all the thrilling action of the 2026 BetVictor World Cup of Darts live on Sky Sports and PDC TV.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
