World Cup of Darts 2026: Pundit predictions for winners, dark horses, best pairings with Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Josh Rock in action
With the World Cup of Darts getting under way on Thursday June 11, live on Sky Sports, the pundits take a look at who are their favourites to win, the dark horses, and what looks to be the best pairing…
Emma Paton’s predictions
Who do you think will win?
Surely it is second time lucky for England!
After completely underwhelming last year and crashing out at the first hurdle, the two Lukes get it right this time.
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England’s Luke Humphries and Luke Littler made their entrance to the 2025 World Cup of Darts to a chorus of boos in Frankfurt!
This is one big television tournament that Luke Littler hasn’t won and maybe that’s a bit of added motivation for the world No 1.
The pair didn’t gel last year but as soon as the Premier League final was over they made a point of publicly saying they’d be ready to team up in Frankfurt. So I guess it’s coming home!
Who do you think will be runner-up?
Away from England, the Dutch duo is also a formidable partnership on paper. The pair of Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen will be compelling viewing. It’s the first time they’re paired together but I actually think they’ll make a good combo.
The Netherlands haven’t been in a final since Van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld won the World Cup back in 2018. It’s about time they make a run to Sunday’s final session.
Which country do you think has the best pairs partnership?
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Speaking on Love The Darts, Devon Petersen and Polly James discuss Gerwyn Price’s decision to withdraw from the World Cup of Darts
I think Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney showed last year how playing as a pair is almost as important as the form you bring to the oche.
They are clearly friends, they get on well and it showed last year in their title win. I expect them to pick up where they left off.
Rod Studd’s predictions
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Highlights from England’s defeat to Germany at last year’s World Cup of Darts
Who do you think will win?
England are quite clearly the most likely winners.
Who do you think will be runner-up?
The Netherlands are most likely to come through the opposite half of the draw but it’s a difficult question as we don’t know the draw positioning of anyone bar the top 4 seeds
Which country do you think has the best pairs partnership?
England have the best two players in the world! Northern Ireland could justifiably argue they have the best pair as they’re the most successful current combination and the only current pair to have won the event.
Polly James’ predictions
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Germany stunned pre-tournament favourites England in the second round
Who do you think will win?
I will go Northern Ireland as the most solid seeded team. England are the dream team with both Luke’s but last year was a disaster for them and Josh and Daryl are proven worthy winners.
Who do you think will be runner-up?
I really like the look of Netherlands this year, with Van Veen and MvG partnering up for the first time.
Which country do you think has the best pairs partnership?
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Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney were in tears after clinching the World Cup of Darts title after an epic last-leg decider
It has to be Rock and Gurney. Gurney himself described it as Rock’s “power scoring” and his own role being there to “clean up the finishing.”
I think that balance is ideal in the World Cup format because doubles matches aren’t just about having two great players. You need players who naturally fall into different roles rather than competing for the same space.
Stuart Pyke’s predictions
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Ricardo Pietreczko and Martin Schindler give their reaction after Germany beat England
Who do you think will win?
There is only one winner ! England all the way and wouldn’t it be terrific if they could double up and win the football World Cup too! We are allowed to dream!
I seriously cannot see Littler and Humphries making the same mistakes again after last year’s embarrassing tournament
They just didn’t seem to gel as a team but this year they are ready to live up to their favourites billing
It is always a fun weekend and seeing all these players and what it means to represent their countries.
There is new faces and new opportunities for Mongolia, Uganda and Trinidad and Tobago.
Who do you think will be runner-up?
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Highlights of Northern Ireland against Wales in the World Cup of Darts final
The defending champions will go close with Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney and it will be interesting to see the new Dutch pairing of Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. The Netherlands won’t be far away, for sure.
It is really disappointing to see Wales without Gerwyn Price and the odd couple of Scotland may surprise a few! Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies could just be inspired.
Which country do you think has the best pairs partnership?
We shall see but England will take some beating.
However, I am fully prepared to have egg all over my face!
Laura Turner’s predictions
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Littler put on a show at the Nordic Darts Masters by taking out 129 with a bullseye after busting
Who do you think will win?
My winner has to be England.
Who do you think will be runner-up?
I am going for the Dutch pairing of Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen.
Which country do you think has the best pairs partnership?
There are a few candidates for this one but Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney really gelled well together last year.
Watch the 2026 BetVictor World Cup of Darts from June 11 to June 14, live on Sky Sports. Get Sky Sports or stream darts with no contract.
