For those arrow-smiths hoping to proudly represent their respective nations at the upcoming World Cup of Darts, the race is officially over. Following the conclusion of the Austrian Darts Open, that particular qualification window has emphatically slammed shut.
And the major breaking news is that Gerwyn Price has withdrawn, meaning Wales will no longer travel at full strength. That leaves Jonny Clayton partnering Nick Kenny next month in Frankfurt and, given the Newport-born thrower’s low Order of Merit ranking, the Welsh duo subsequently lose their seeded status – one which now passes to Scotland.
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Only the USA are still yet to announce their pairing from the forty competing nations*. As for the previous winners of the event, their confirmed teams are as follows:
ENGLAND: Luke Littler & Luke Humphries
WALES: Jonny Clayton & Nick Kenny
NETHERLANDS: Gian van Veen & Michael van Gerwen
NORTHERN IRELAND: Josh Rock & Daryl Gurney
SCOTLAND: Gary Anderson & Cameron Menzies
AUSTRALIA: Damon Heta & Adam Leek
Of course, participation despite qualification is not always guaranteed. Luke Littler has indicated his intention to play, but should he have a change of heart, the door would creak open for James Wade – a man whose first appearance in the event dates back to 2010, when The Nuke was barely out of nappies.
A similar caveat surrounds Michael van Gerwen, who has occasionally opted to bypass the tournament in recent years. If that pattern were to repeat, Danny Noppert would be next in line to don the Dutch orange jersey.
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Meanwhile, Peter Wright is primed and ready should a vacancy emerge within the Scottish camp. The two-time World Champion, alongside Gary Anderson and John Henderson, currently finds himself waiting in the wings but would become the next tartan cab off the rank should either The Flying Scotsman or Cameron Menzies opt against competing. Realistically though, Anderson probably represents Snakebite’s best hope on that front as he has pulled out before. When he eventually did, however, it handed Big Hendo a golden ticket and, alongside Snakey, he seized the opportunity with both hands lifting the cup.
Both the German and Belgian duos were entirely settled prior to Graz. Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko will spearhead the Deutschland challenge, while Flemish hopes rest with Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh. It was always too late for Kim Huybrechts to dislodge the Dreammaker this time around. But purely based on recent form – a potential Hurricane could return to the national fold in 2027. That would certainly throw up an intriguing subplot given Huybrechts and The Real Deal aren’t overly chummy.
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The Australian pairing is similarly locked in, with Adam Leek stepping into the considerable void left by Simon Whitlock to join forces with Damon Heta. As the only two tour card holders hailing from Down Under – their spots were sealed when Leek prevailed at Q-School. Whether the iconic face paint makes an appearance is another matter entirely – that, after all, was very much The Wizard’s personal flourish.
With Mickey Mansell switching allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, the Irish pairing now means he will be the one joining William O’Connor this year. A blow for Keane Barry who now misses out. It does mean that Mickey will make a little history as he appears for a second nation and both those within the island of Ireland
Elsewhere, with Adam Gawlas now reclaiming his professional status, he’ll reunite with Karel Sedlacek for Czechia. Sweden’s hopes rest on Jeffrey de Graaf and Oskar Lukasiak, the latter enduring a barren run so far this season and surely desperate for a reversal of fortunes on the World Cup stage.
Dark Horses for The World Cup of Darts?
Among the potential dark horses, Poland stand out prominently. Their pairing of Krzysztof Ratajski and Sebastian Bialecki have been consistently formidable throughout the current campaign. Should they find rhythm in tandem, they possess the calibre to trouble even the most established duos.
Certainly worth a look if you are looking for good value and a genuine chance to profit. They are an outside pick to lift the trophy – if not, come very close to doing so.
For many of the remaining nations, it is a familiar story of established figures leading the charge:
Jose de Sousa remains comfortably Portugal’s standout performer, regardless of tour card status, while Austria’s representation is effectively predetermined through Mensur Suljović and Rusty-Jake Rodriguez – the nation’s only full-time professionals on the circuit.
WORLD CUP OF DARTS HALL OF FAME – Facts, stats, history and honour roll
The World Cup of Darts continues to offer a uniquely captivating spectacle, made all the more compelling by its pairs-only format from start to finish. With teams representing every continent on the globe – Antarctica understandably excluded – the tournament becomes a vibrant, cosmopolitan celebration of the sport. A kaleidoscope of cultures, colours, and competitive tension, all converging into one exhilarating showcase of tungsten theatre.
—–ENDS—–
*USA have since announced that Adam Sevada and Stowe Buntz will represent them in the 2026 WCoD
Images: PDC
