Darts in London
Everyone against Littler, Littler against the fans: World Cup in the final spurt
The new darts year starts with four quarter-finals. The big question hanging over the World Cup sequel: Who can prevent a final between Luke Littler and Luke Humphries?
Right at the start of 2026, things will get exciting at the Darts World Cup in London. The quarter-finals await on New Year’s Day (1:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m./Sport1 and DAZN) in the famous Alexandra Palace in the north of the British capital. Germans are no longer there, but the round of the last eight promises excitement. The central issues before the continuation of the tournament, in which the winner will receive one million pounds (1.15 million euros).
In terms of sport, defending champion Luke Littler doesn’t have to fear anyone at this World Cup. But the 18-year-old Englishman opened up a sideshow in the 4-2 win against Rob Cross in his last game in 2025 – with the fans. After unexpected boos against him, Littler addressed the supporters at the Ally Pally directly and said: “You pay for tickets and you pay my prize money. Thank you for booing me.”
With a red face and a lot of satisfaction, he claimed: “It doesn’t bother me. It doesn’t bother me at all.” Looking ahead to his game on New Year’s Day (8 p.m.) against Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski, Littler said: “I will prepare for the worst in the quarter-finals.” The young star reached the final in 2024 and became world champion for the first time in 2025.
Former world champions against European champions
Littler’s biggest challenger is world number two Luke Humphries. The Englishman will face the Dutch European champion Gian van Veen in the evening (9.30 p.m.). “It’s going to be a great darts game. I like him a lot, he’s a good player and I have a lot of respect for him,” said Humphries about the promising appointment.
In the afternoon (1.30 p.m.) the Welshman Jonny Clayton and Ryan Searle from England will open the darts year 2026. Afterwards (3.00 p.m.), the Scottish veteran Gary Anderson will take to the target against the Englishman Justin Hood. Anderson is aiming for his third world title after 2015 and 2016.
Just two years ago, an era ended in darts when cult referee Russ Bray with his distinctive voice retired. At this World Cup, players and fans once again have to say goodbye to two familiar faces: Referee George Noble and John McDonald, who traditionally brings the professionals onto the stage, are calling it a day.
“John and George have been two indispensable building blocks of the PDC over the last 20 years,” said Matthew Porter, managing director of the world association. “John’s distinctive voice and stirring delivery, as well as George’s impeccable performance as a referee, have made them an integral part of our events worldwide.”
Who will reach the Premier League?
After the World Cup, the PDC traditionally announces the participants for the Premier League, a million-dollar league for the best professionals in the world. The top four in the world rankings are seeded, and the PDC usually names four wildcards. It is certain that Littler, Humphries and the Dutchman van Gerwen will be there.
The youngsters Josh Rock and van Veen are also likely to take part, and the Welshman Clayton could get his ticket above the rankings. Behind them there are other contenders in Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, James Wade (all England), Gerwyn Price (Wales) and Danny Noppert (Netherlands). The debut of a German is considered out of the question. Martin Schindler was eliminated from the World Cup too early and too clearly.
dpa
