Jonny Clayton suggests major change to World Cup of Darts format

Jonny Clayton has called on the Professional Darts Corporation to shake up hosting duties for the World Cup of Darts.

The unique pairs tournament commences on Friday 11th June where 40 nations will compete for the coveted World Cup title.

Held annually, the World Cup will be staged at Frankfurt's Eissporthalle for a fifth successive year. Since the competition was introduced in 2010, 14 of the 16 editions have been held in Germany, with only the inaugural tournament in 2010 being staged in England and the 2020 World Cup being relocated to Austria due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Team Germany are yet to capitalise on their 'home advantage' having only progressed as far as the semi-final stage on three occasions in 2020, 2023 and 2025.

A two-time World Cup winner, Clayton is in a better place than most to suggest changes to the tournament's format and the proud Welshman insists he would love to see some variety in where the World Cup is hosted.

Clayton told bet365: "I enjoy playing it every year, but I do think they could change the venue.

"I think whoever wins [the World Cup], they should be able to host it the following year. Maybe that could make a difference.

"If it was held in Wales, then I don't think me or Gezzy would miss it. But it's in the same place all the time, so everything is the same and there is no change.

"Daryl [Gurney] and Josh [Rock] won it last year so maybe this year it could have been in their backyard in Northern Ireland. It would mean a little bit more."

Asked if he would change the World Cup of Darts from an annual event to a tournament held every four years like the football equivalent, Clayton replied: "I wouldn't change the time between each. I would just change the venue so that whoever wins it, the country gets the opportunity to host the World Cup next year."

Clayton will be without his partner in crime for this year's World Cup after Gerwyn Price confirmed he will not be participating.

Price has been replaced by Nick Kenny, with the world number 61 set to represent his country for the first time.

The pressure will rest on Clayton's shoulders in the upcoming tournament, but the 51-year-old has been in sparkling form in 2026, which includes his fantastic run to the semi-finals of the Premier League where he was beaten in a deciding leg by Luke Humphries.

"Whether Gezzy's there or not, I will always try my best for my country," Clayton added.

"I always look forward to the World Cup and this year is no different. It's an honour to be involved."