The 2026 World Cup of Darts is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling team events of the year, and we now know exactly who will be throwing darts in Frankfurt. With the field officially set following this weekend's Austrian Darts Open, 40 countries—and 80 players—will compete for a record £500,000 prize fund. That's right, the stakes have never been higher, and the action is just a month away!
Here's the twist: the top four seeded nations get a bye straight into the second round, while the other 36 teams will battle it out in a two-day group stage. So, who's already locked in for the round of 16? Let's break it down.
Top Seeds (Automatic Bye to Round of 16)
The Netherlands (#2) is making headlines with a fresh pairing: 2026 World Championship runner-up Gian van Veen teams up with three-time World Cup champion Michael van Gerwen. After van Gerwen's return to the squad, Dutch fans have every reason to be excited.
England is sticking with the same duo from last year, eager to bounce back after a shocking early exit to Germany in 2025. Northern Ireland, meanwhile, keeps its winning formula intact: Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney will defend their 2025 title as a proven pair.
Scotland brings a new twist—Gary Anderson returns, but he's now paired with Cameron Menzies for the first time. Can this fresh combination recreate the magic?
Group Stage Contenders (Seeded Teams)
The group stage promises plenty of drama, with these seeded nations ready to make their mark:
Germany (#5) sends Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko back into action. After their stunning semifinal run on home soil in 2025—including a shock win over England—they'll be looking to replicate that magic in front of a roaring crowd.
Belgium (#6) fields Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh, a duo with plenty of firepower. Ireland (#8) counters with William O'Connor and Mickey Mansell, while Poland (#9) brings Krzysztof Ratajski and Sebastian Bialecki to the oche.
Other seeded teams to watch include the Czech Republic (#12) with Karel Sedláček and Adam Gawlas, Austria (#13) featuring Mensur Suljovic and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez, and Finland (#16) represented by Jani Haavisto and Jonas Masalin.
With so many new pairings, returning champions, and hungry underdogs, the 2026 World Cup of Darts is set to be an unforgettable showcase of precision, teamwork, and high-stakes drama. Who will rise to the occasion in Frankfurt? We can't wait to find out.