"To always play with Michael is an honour being a Dutchman" – Dream pairing Van Veen–Van Gerwen a real possibility at the World Cup of Darts but not as expected

Gian van Veen firmly broke through to the top of the darts world last year by winning the European Championship and reaching the World Championship final. The 23-year-old Dutchman impresses with his development, results, and mature stage presence.

Van Veen has since overtaken Michael van Gerwen in the world rankings and is now third. For the upcoming edition of the World Cup of Darts, Van Veen would in principle be paired with Van Gerwen. Although that is not entirely certain yet, as ‘Mighty Mike’ skipped the national team event last year and Van Veen would be weirdly number one given his ranking.

In a recent comment, Van Veen revealed he had already spoken with Van Gerwen about a possible partnership for the Netherlands. That conversation took place last year and made clear that the three-time world champion does not rule out the idea.

"It would be very nice of course. I've talked with Michael as well last year and he said when 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," said Van Veen.

Van Veen made his World Cup of Darts debut last year alongside Danny Noppert, with the pair reaching the semi-finals, where they lost to Wales. But lining up with Van Gerwen would add another dimension to the event for Van Veen.

"You know, as a Dutchman, I've said it before, you always expect that he is the number one, so you want to be the number two for tournaments like the World Cup of Darts," he added.

"And maybe now it's looking like it's going to be the other way around, but to always play with Michael is an honour being a Dutchman."

Michael van Gerwen has long been the face of Dutch darts. With multiple world titles, Premier League wins, and major TV tournaments to his name, he ranks among the sport’s greats. For a young player like Van Veen, the chance to wear the Dutch shirt alongside ‘Mighty Mike’ is not only a sporting challenge but also a form of recognition. "That would be very nice of course to play with Michael."

Although there is no definitive confirmation yet about the Dutch selection for the World Cup of Darts, Van Veen’s words fuel extra speculation and excitement among darts fans. The blend of Van Gerwen’s experience and explosiveness, coupled with Van Veen’s fresh energy and growth, could make the Netherlands one of the favorites again.

The Netherlands have won the tournament four times. The inaugural edition in 2010 was won by Raymond van Barneveld and Co Stompé. In 2014, 2017, and 2018, Van Barneveld and Van Gerwen came out on top.

The World Cup of Darts will take place in Frankfurt again this year, from 11/6/2026 to 14/6/2026. As last year, forty countries will be in action.