World Cup of Darts expanded with 40 countries, group format and pairs throughout from 2023 edition

In a change that many darts fans have called for, it will be pairs throughout from the 2023 edition of the World Cup of Darts onwards with the tournament held in Frankfurt between June 15-18 expanded.

The tournament will now include 40 teams with Iceland, Ukraine and Bahrain set to make their debuts. The top four nations will be seeded and enter in at the second round stage with the remaining 36 teams battling it out over 12 groups of three from the first round.

Each group winner will then progress with the second round seeing the Last 16 nations onwards battling it out with no singles ties set to happen.

Nations will confirm their partnerships depending on the Order of Merit as of May 29 with the top two invited. A Latin America Qualifier and Portuguese qualifier will decide other picks.

While Asian Tour Order of Merit will confirm their picks on May 1, while PDC Nordic and Baltic have a June 5 cutoff.

"The World Cup of Darts is one of our most popular events and this new format will add extra excitement to an already eagerly-awaited four days," said PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter.

"The nations competing in the group stage will now be guaranteed a minimum of two matches, increasing their big-stage experience, and our global growth is also represented by being able to introduce new countries and stage a Latin America Qualifier.

“The move to feature Doubles matches throughout the World Cup is another big change to previous years but one we felt was right to introduce alongside the group stage to emphasise the team element of the event.

"This new format is an important development for us in continuing to grow professional darts around the world and we look forward to a wonderful World Cup of Darts in June."