As the World Cup of Darts 2026 prepares to get underway in Frankfurt, Scotland are among the favourites but arrive with a new-look lineup. Gary Anderson returns for a fourth consecutive year, this time partnered by Cameron Menzies, who replaces Peter Wright. After failing to win a leg in their 2025 campaign, the Scots are desperate for a much-improved showing.
Scotland have a rich history in the event, winning the title in 2019 (Anderson & Wright) and 2021 (Wright & Henderson), and finishing runner-up in 2015, 2018, and 2023. However, 2025 proved disastrous: a struggling Wright and Anderson were dumped out 8-0 by the Netherlands in the second round. Anderson, making his 12th World Cup appearance, remains a reliable figure despite inconsistent form. He reached the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship earlier this year, only to be defeated by Gian van Veen – the same van Veen who, alongside Noppert, whitewashed Scotland with eight consecutive legs last year.
Menzies, making his World Cup debut, admits to nerves. “I’m already a bit nervous,” he said on the European Tour. “I feel sorry for Gary… I’m basically his bag handler according to my mates. But I’m looking forward to it. It might only happen once, so I want to enjoy it.” Menzies’ scoring is a strength, but his doubling and on-stage temperament have been questioned. Anderson has previously only partnered Wright and Robert Thornton, making this a new dynamic. The onus is on Anderson to settle his teammate and avoid any flare-ups that could derail their campaign.
The tournament is seen as wide open, with England overwhelming favourites but Wales weakened, the Netherlands possibly inconsistent, and Germany affected by dartitis. Scotland have the firepower to beat anyone on their day, but the knockout format leaves no room for error. If Anderson and Menzies can build a strong camaraderie and keep composed, a third World Cup title is within reach. If not, things could get spicy.
