The 2026 BetVictor World Cup of Darts takes place from 11 to 14 June at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt, Germany. Forty nations, each represented by a two-player team, compete in a pairs format across four days for a prize fund of £500,000. Defending champions Northern Ireland return to protect the title won so dramatically by Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney in 2025, while England’s world number one Luke Littler and number two Luke Humphries arrive with a point to prove after a shock first-round exit last year.
What is the World Cup of Darts?
The World Cup of Darts is the PDC’s international team event, pitting 40 nations against each other in a pairs competition. Unlike the sport’s individual majors, every match is played in doubles, with each nation’s two representatives throwing alternate legs. The tournament was introduced in 2010 and has grown into one of the most popular events on the darts calendar, combining national pride with elite-level competition.
The format begins with a group stage, in which 40 nations are divided into groups of three. Matches are played over a best-of-seven legs format, with the top nations from each group progressing to a knockout phase. From the second round onwards, matches are played over longer formats, building to the final on Sunday evening. The winning pair shares a combined £100,000 first prize.
When is the World Cup of Darts 2026?
The tournament runs from Thursday 11 June to Sunday 14 June 2026. The group stage takes place across three sessions on Thursday and Friday. Saturday features the second-round knockout matches, before a blockbuster final day on Sunday when the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and final are played back to back in a single session.
Where is the World Cup of Darts 2026?
The event returns to the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The venue, which has a capacity of approximately 7,000, has hosted the World Cup of Darts since 2022 and has become the tournament’s established home. Located in the Bornheim district of Frankfurt, the arena offers an electric atmosphere with German darts fans among the most passionate in Europe.
Key Contenders
England are the pre-tournament favourites, with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries forming arguably the strongest pairing in the event’s history. Littler, the reigning PDC World Champion, and Humphries, the 2026 Premier League champion, are the world’s top two ranked players. However, the duo have unfinished business after suffering a shock first-round elimination by host nation Germany in 2025, where they struggled to find cohesion as a doubles pair.
Defending champions Northern Ireland will be determined to retain the title won so memorably by Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney last year. Their dramatic 10-9 victory over Wales in the 2025 final, sealed with an 11-dart deciding leg, made them the sixth nation to lift the trophy. Wales, represented by Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton, will look to go one better after that agonising final defeat. The Netherlands and Scotland, both multiple winners, are also expected to contend.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, the World Cup of Darts is broadcast live on Sky Sports, which holds the rights to all major PDC events. In Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, coverage is available through DAZN. Viewers in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Poland, and the Baltic states can watch via Viaplay. In the United States, Peacock (NBC’s streaming platform) carries live PDC coverage, while fans in Australia can watch through Fox Sports. For viewers outside these territories, PDCTV, the PDC’s own streaming service, provides live coverage of every session.
History and Records
The World Cup of Darts was first held in 2010, introduced by PDC chairman Barry Hearn as part of a wave of new tournaments. England are the most successful nation with five titles, led by the legendary pairing of Phil Taylor and Adrian Lewis who won four of those. The Netherlands have claimed four titles, with Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld forming a formidable partnership. Scotland (2019, 2021), Wales (2020, 2023), Australia (2022), and Northern Ireland (2025) complete the list of winning nations. The tournament expanded to 40 nations and adopted a group stage format in 2023, while the prize fund has grown from £150,000 at inception to £500,000 for the 2026 edition.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the 2026 World Cup of Darts are available through PDC Europe and official ticketing partners. Single-session tickets are offered across several pricing tiers, from standard tiered seating to premium Platinum seats with close-up views of the stage. Given the popularity of darts in Germany and the intimate atmosphere of the Eissporthalle, sessions frequently sell out well in advance. Tickets can also be found on secondary platforms such as StubHub and Viagogo, though official channels are recommended. For ticket enquiries, contact the official ticket supplier at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the World Cup of Darts 2026 start?
The tournament begins on Thursday 11 June 2026, with the group stage running across Thursday and Friday before knockout rounds on Saturday and Sunday.
Where is the World Cup of Darts 2026 being held?
The Eissporthalle in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
How can I watch the World Cup of Darts?
Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in Germany/Austria/Switzerland, Viaplay in the Netherlands and Scandinavia, Peacock in the US, and PDCTV for the rest of the world.
Who won the World Cup of Darts last year?
Northern Ireland won the 2025 World Cup of Darts, with Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney defeating Wales (Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton) 10-9 in a thrilling final.