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As the current world number 3 and world number 4, Jean van Veen and Michael van Gerwen represent the Netherlands’ strongest partnership at the World Cup of Darts.
Van Veen has had a sensational rise which saw him reach the final of the World Darts Championship in January, where he lost to childhood rival Luke Littler.
At that time, Van Veen claimed the Dutch No. 1 spot, usurping Van Gerwen, which MVG had held for more than a decade.
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Gian van Veen beats Jonny Clayton in style on Premier League night 13 in Aberdeen
A Dutch pair last achieved World Cup glory eight years ago in the form of van Gerwen and Raymond van Barnveld and as second seeds. This pairing represents a huge opportunity for the country to lift the trophy for the fifth time.
Van Veen made his debut at the tournament in 2025 alongside Danny Knoppert, but admits he is fulfilling a childhood dream by playing alongside one of his country’s greats in 2026.
Not only that, but he is eyeing a possible final clash with England, who are the world’s top two in Littler and Luke Humphries, but admits he would happily take on them if they were eventually victorious.
“It’s going to be new with Michael this year but I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a good one,” Van Veen said.
“I’m very excited about playing with Michael. Growing up as a Dutchman he was always in the national team and if you want to play in the team you have to play with Michael – unless he doesn’t want to play – but I’m very honored to play with him.
“Everyone talked about England and the two Lukes before the tournament but it would be nice to beat them in the final. As long as we lift the trophy, I don’t mind.”
MVG: You just have to trust your partner
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Michael van Gerwen requested that an Elvis impersonator be removed from the side of the stage because he was causing a distraction (Credit: @OfficialPDC)
Van Gerwen last represented his country at the tournament in 2024 and feels he and Van Veen can work well together if they have “faith and belief”.
“It’s different every time but you have to prepare yourself,” says MVG. “You have to prepare well.
“I’ve never played with Gian so it’s going to be different. As long as you keep playing well and you can do the right things for yourself at the right time, you have to have faith and trust in yourself as well as your partner and I think that’s what matters.
“You have to go with your own strength. You have to believe in your own abilities. You have to beat whoever comes your way. I’ve been playing under pressure for the last 10 years so it doesn’t matter if one tournament is more or less.”
Who will win this year’s World Cup of Darts? Northern Ireland will be defending their title and you can catch all the action on Sky Sports from June 11-14. Stream darts and more great games now.
