World No.3 Gian van Veen will partner five‑time world champion Michael van Gerwen for the Netherlands at the World Cup of Darts 2026. Van Veen’s meteoric climb included a runner‑up finish at the January World Championship, where he fell to childhood rival Luke Littler. In the interim he displaced Van Gerwen to claim the Dutch No.1 spot, ending a decade‑long reign and eager to win.

The Dutch last lifted the trophy eight years ago, when Van Gerwen teamed with Raymond van Barneveld as second seeds. Van Veen, who debuted in 2025 alongside Danny Noppert, says sharing the stage with his idol fulfills a childhood fantasy. He eyes a showdown with England’s Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, but vows to beat any opponents.

Van Gerwen stresses belief and trust, noting he’s never paired with Van Veen before but confidence in each other will be decisive. He reminds everyone that pressure has been his companion for a decade, making the June 11‑14 schedule routine. With Northern Ireland defending, the Dutch pair now stand as clear contenders to reclaim the crown for the nation.