The darts world is buzzing with anticipation following a significant update from rising Dutch star Gian van Veen about his compatriot Michael van Gerwen and their potential involvement in the upcoming World Cup of Darts.
In a recent interview, van Veen opened up about private conversations he has had with van Gerwen, shedding light on the three-time world champion’s mindset heading into the 2026 edition of the tournament. Van Veen revealed that van Gerwen expressed strong interest in competing this year, particularly with the prospect of teaming up with him. “I talked to Michael last year as well,” van Veen said. “He said if we ever get the chance to play together, I’m most likely going to play because I want to see how it’s like to play with you. So it would be very nice to play with Michael.”
Van Veen, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the sport, emphasized the personal significance of such a partnership. “As a Dutchman, I’ve said it before, you always expect that he’s the number one, so you want to be the number two for tournaments like the World Cup of Darts,” he explained. “Maybe now it looks like it will be the other way around. But to play with Michael, it is an honour of being a Dutchman.” He added that the opportunity would be “very nice,” highlighting the respect and admiration he holds for his fellow countryman despite now holding the higher world ranking.
Van Gerwen, 36, has been a dominant force in darts for over a decade, amassing three PDC World Championship titles, multiple Premier League triumphs, and a storied record in the World Cup of Darts. He previously formed one of the most successful pairings in the event’s history alongside Raymond van Barneveld, leading the Netherlands to victories in 2014, 2017, and 2018. Those successes contributed to a golden era for Dutch darts, where the team rarely exited before the semifinals between 2014 and 2019. Overall, the Netherlands have lifted the trophy four times, including a 2010 win with van Barneveld and Co Stompé.
However, van Gerwen’s participation in recent years has been sporadic. He has featured in only one of the last four World Cups, with absences allowing other Dutch talents like Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode to step into the spotlight. In 2025, van Gerwen opted out entirely, even suggesting at one point that he might never return to the event, citing a desire for a break. Yet recent developments indicate a shift. After a period of inconsistent form and no ranking televised titles since 2022, van Gerwen has shown signs of resurgence, securing his first title of 2026 and appearing motivated to reclaim his status. When asked about a possible return, he hinted positively: “Could be. It’s a good possibility I’m going to play this year.”
This potential comeback coincides with van Veen’s emergence as the new Dutch number one. The 23-year-old has overtaken van Gerwen in the world rankings, climbing to number three globally after a breakout period that included capturing the European Championship title, reaching the PDC World Championship final, and winning his first World Youth Championship. Van Veen made his World Cup debut in 2025 alongside Noppert, guiding the Netherlands to the semifinals before a narrow defeat to Wales. That strong showing demonstrated the depth of Dutch talent and positioned the nation as a perennial contender.
A van Veen-van Gerwen duo would represent a dream pairing for fans and a formidable challenge for the rest of the field. Van Veen’s rapid improvement, explosive scoring, and composure under pressure complement van Gerwen’s experience, tactical nous, and proven big-match temperament. Their recent head-to-head encounters—including finals on the World Series and European Tour—have already produced thrilling contests, showcasing the competitive spark between the veteran and the prodigy. Teaming up could create one of the most dangerous lineups in Frankfurt, where the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to 14.
The tournament, featuring forty nations, has grown increasingly competitive, with defending champions Northern Ireland (Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney) proving that upsets are always possible after their victory over Wales last year. England, with its record five titles, remains a powerhouse, but a fully committed Dutch side led by van Gerwen’s hunger and van Veen’s momentum could tilt the balance. Van Gerwen has spoken about the need to maintain drive and positivity, noting that without that inner fire, a player risks becoming just another competitor. His potential return signals that the fire still burns brightly.
For Dutch darts supporters, this update is more than just news—it’s the promise of a historic collaboration. A partnership between the established legend and the exciting new star could not only revive memories of past glories but also propel the Netherlands toward another deep run, or even a fifth title. As the countdown to Frankfurt begins, the darts community waits eagerly to see if this dream team becomes reality, bringing fresh excitement to one of the sport’s most prestigious team events.
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