England’s top two, Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, will face off for the first time as the No 1 seed in the BetVictor World Cup of Darts. The 40‑nation event opens on 11 June at the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt and runs through 14 June, with live coverage on Sky Sports. Teams aim to secure spots in the knock‑out stages.

Last year, England stumbled in the second round after a shock defeat to Germany. Now seeded to the second round alongside the Netherlands, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the pair must prove their chemistry under a different format that rewards teamwork over individual brilliance. The draw pits them against a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, raising the stakes for every match.

Defending champions Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney of Northern Ireland return to protect a title won in a dramatic final‑leg decider over Wales in 2025. Germany’s Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko, seeded fifth, aim to surpass a semi‑final exit at home, while Belgium’s Mike De Decker and Dimitri Van den Bergh seek redemption after a 2025 group‑stage loss. Their performance will shape the field for the event.

With 40 teams vying for the title, the tournament will test endurance and precision. England’s back‑to‑back World Cup appearances raise expectations, while Wales’ absence of Gerwyn Price leaves the nation with a surprising void. Fans will watch the opening match on Friday to gauge the competitive edge that could decide the championship. The outcome will influence rankings and seedings for the next World Darts Championship.