Darts World Cup 2026: Players to watch with Paul Lim, Motomu Sakai, Man Lok Leung and Nitin Kumar | Darts News

The World Cup of Darts is just around the corner and some hidden gems will be taking part in Frankfurt, June 11-14. Live on Sky Sports.

Yes, England, Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Scotland’s top four star power includes Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Gian van Veen, Michael van Gerwen, Josh Rock, Daryl Gurney, Gary Anderson and Cameron Menzies.

But, when you look down the list, gems pop up left, right and centre, who made their mark by winning the hearts of the crowds on stage at Alexandra Palace.

So, who else is involved in this monumental duo tournament? Let’s take a look…

Paul Lim (Singapore)

A man who needs no introduction, Paul Lim will be on stage for Singapore at the World Cup alongside Fuay Wei Tan.

He famously hit the first nine-darter in World Championship history in 1990, and after a two-year absence, he returned to Alley Pally in 2025.

This saw him make history as the oldest player to take part in the World Darts Championship at the age of 71. Not only that, but he sent the crowd into a frenzy by pulling off a first round victory over Jeffrey de Graaf.

“The oldest slinger in town wins the Ally Pally stage again,” cried Sky Sports Darts’ Rod Studd as he sealed victory at the top.

Ultimately, he was defeated by Humphries in the second round but that did not diminish his historic achievement.

Singapore are in Group D alongside eighth-seeded Ireland and Uganda.

Motomu Sakai (Japan)

Motomu Sakai instantly made himself a fan favorite from the moment he walked into Alexandra Palace.

His electrifying dance moves had the crowd on their feet, jumping around the stage as he took in the atmosphere.

Sakai then backed up his walk-on with his darts and he cruised to a 3-0 whitewash against Thibault Tricol in the first round.

His post-match interviews were also jubilant, with Sakai again dancing and pulling faces as his interpreter explained his joy at securing a win.

Along with Haruki Muramatsu, his walk-on at the World Cup of Darts could be something to remember.

Japan is in Group K with 15th-seeded Croatia and Spain.

Nitin Kumar (India)

Another man with a famous walk-on, Nitin Kumar, will represent India along with his partner Ankit Goenka.

Kumar’s walk ‘Punjabi MC’s Mundian To Bach K’ was one that punters have been waiting for years but it reached new heights in December 2025.

Kumar created history on the Alexandra Palace stage when he became the first Indian to win the event when he beat Dutchman Richard Veenstra 3-2.

With it he hoped to inspire a generation. “I opened the floodgates for a billion of them,” he said.

“I’m sorry, if in 10 years you have eight people walking to Bollywood music at the World Championships, don’t blame me, it’s happening!”

I am sure India can inspire more if they do well in Group H with 12th seed Czechia and Denmark.

Man Lok Leung (Hong Kong)

Man Lok Leung’s big moment came back in 2023. He stepped on the stage at Alexandra Palace and defeated up-and-comer Van Veen in the first round.

Van Veen, as has been fruitful, was earmarked as a star to watch but the Hong Kong man made sure to wait for his crowning moment to give the Dutchman his crown.

He will partner another Ally Pally icon in Lok Yin Lee who became known for wearing a towel around his neck while playing.

They will try to put their best foot forward with the sixth seed Belgium and Slovenia in Group B.

Alexis Toilo (Philippines)

Alexis Toilo is famous for one thing in particular – his methodical, precise and slow throwing action.

You may have seen him before as he is famous for throwing the slowest darts possible.

Before each dart, he practices a series of ‘ghost throws’. That means he’s been around longer than most.

In fact, it could be an important weapon for the Philippines in the competition as it tries to claim victory with Paulo Nebrida.

They are in Group A with fifth-seeded Germany and New Zealand. Surprisingly, Germany’s Riccardo Pitreco has been struggling with his throws and has therefore been one of the slower players on the circuit of late.

2026 World Cup of Darts

Seed in the second round
(1) England
(2) The Netherlands
(3) Northern Ireland
(4) Scotland

Group stage draw

Group A
(5) Germany
Philippines
New Zealand

Group B
(6) Belgium
Hong Kong
Slovenia

Group C
(7) Wales
Lithuania
Thailand

Group D
(8) Ireland
Singapore
Uganda

Group E
(9) Poland
Portugal
Switzerland

Group F
(10) Sweden
South Africa
Mongolia

Group G
(11) Australia
USA
Canada

Group H
(12) Czechia
India
Denmark

Group I
(13) Austria
China
France

Group J
(14) Latvia
Italy
Trinidad and Tobago

Who is the group?
(15) Croatia
Japan
spain

The group arrived
(16) Finland
Norway
Hungary

Group Stage Schedule

All times UK and Ireland

Thursday 11 June (6pm)

Seeded Nation vs Team 2
Czechia vs India (H)
Croatia vs Japan (K)
Finland vs Norway (L)
Ireland vs Singapore (D)
Poland x Portugal (E)
Sweden vs South Africa (F)
Latvia vs Italy (J)
Belgium vs Hong Kong (B)
Germany vs Philippines (A)
Wales v Lithuania (C)
Austria vs China (I)
Australia vs USA (G)

Friday 12 June

Afternoon Session (11 am)
Thursday Losing Country vs Team 3
Same group order

Evening Session (6 pm)
THURSDAY WINNING COUNTRY VS TEAM 3
Same group order

Saturday 13 June

Afternoon Session (12 noon)
Round two x4

Evening Session (6 pm)
Round two x4

Sunday 14 June

Afternoon Session (12 noon)
Quarter finals

Evening Session (6 pm)
The semi-finals
the final

Watch the 2026 BetVictor World Cup of Darts live on Sky Sports from June 11 to June 14. Get Sky Sports or Stream Darts with no contract.