The 2026 World Cup of Darts heads to Frankfurt this week as 40 nations compete for one of the most prestigious titles in the sport.
Unlike individual tournaments, the World Cup is all about teamwork. Doubles chemistry, finishing under pressure and national pride often produce surprises, making this one of the most unpredictable events on the calendar.
England arrive as overwhelming favourites with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries forming arguably the strongest partnership ever assembled for the event. However, World Cup history has shown that favourites do not always have things their own way.
Here is the Q4QS preview of every group and our predicted qualifiers for the knockout stages.
The Favourites
England
Luke Littler and Luke Humphries are the two highest-rated players in the world and deservedly head the betting.
The big question is not whether England have enough talent. The question is whether any nation can handle the pressure of facing them in the knockout stages.
Netherlands
Michael van Gerwen returns alongside Gian van Veen. The Dutch have won this title four times previously and possess a perfect blend of experience and scoring power.
Northern Ireland
Defending champions Northern Ireland once again field Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney. Rock remains one of the most explosive scorers in world darts and gives the reigning champions a genuine chance of retaining the trophy.
Scotland
Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies form one of the most dangerous partnerships in the field. If Anderson finds his best form, Scotland could challenge anyone.
Group Predictions
Group A
Germany Philippines New Zealand
Prediction: Germany
Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko should have enough quality to progress, although New Zealand could make life difficult.
Group B
Belgium Hong Kong Slovenia
Prediction: Belgium
Belgium start as favourites, but Hong Kong look capable of producing one of the biggest shocks of the group stage.
Group C
Wales Lithuania Thailand
Prediction: Wales
Jonny Clayton and Nick Kenny should prove too strong.
Group D
Republic of Ireland Singapore Uganda
Prediction: Republic of Ireland
William O'Connor and Mickey Mansell have plenty of experience and should qualify comfortably.
Group E
Poland Portugal Switzerland
Prediction: Poland
One of the most dangerous unseeded nations in the competition.
Group F
Sweden South Africa Mongolia
Prediction: Sweden
Jeffrey de Graaf and Oskar Lukasiak are expected to dominate this group.
Group G
Australia Canada USA
Prediction: Australia
The toughest group in the competition. Australia get the nod, but Canada and USA both have realistic qualification chances.
Group H
Czechia India Denmark
Prediction: Czechia
Karel Sedlacek and Adam Gawlas form a very strong pairing and should advance.
Group I
Austria China France
Prediction: Austria
Austria remain favourites despite a potentially tricky clash with France.
Group J
Latvia Italy Trinidad & Tobago
Prediction: Latvia
Madars Razma's experience could prove decisive.
Group K
Spain Croatia Japan
Prediction: Spain
This looks the toughest group of all. Japan could emerge as one of the tournament's surprise packages.
Group L
Finland Hungary Norway
Prediction: Finland
A very open group, but Finland are narrowly preferred.
Predicted Last 16
Already Qualified:
- England
- Netherlands
- Northern Ireland
- Scotland
Predicted Group Winners:
- Germany
- Belgium
- Wales
- Republic of Ireland
- Poland
- Sweden
- Australia
- Czechia
- Austria
- Latvia
- Spain
- Finland
Five Teams To Watch
Poland
Krzysztof Ratajski and Sebastian Bialecki form one of the strongest partnerships outside the seeded nations.
Czechia
A dangerous pairing capable of causing problems for many of the favourites.
Hong Kong
One of the most interesting outsiders in the competition.
Japan
Drawn in a difficult group but possessing enough quality to surprise.
Canada
World Cup experience could prove invaluable in the pressure moments.
Q4QS Prediction
Champion: England
Runner-Up: Netherlands
Semi-Finalists:
- Scotland
- Northern Ireland
Dark Horse:
- Poland
Potential Surprise Package:
- Hong Kong
The World Cup always delivers drama and surprises. England may be the team to beat, but history suggests at least one outsider will make a deep run in Frankfurt.
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