World Cup of Darts 2024: Friday match-by-match preview

Alamy

Written by: Matt Hill

There are a whopping 24 matches set to be played across two sessions at the 2024 World Cup of Darts on Friday.

By the close of play, we will know the full bracket for the tournament's knockout phase, with only 12 of the 36 group stage entrants able to seal a spot.

Check out our quickfire match-by-match preview below, along with best bets.

World Cup of Darts match predictions — Friday, June 28

Spain vs Gibraltar 

Spain were thumped by Sweden 4-0 in their opener and are now under pressure to take care of Gibraltar in quick fashion.

Justin Hewitt and Craig Galliano are regulars at this tournament however and are more than capable of making things tight.

Odds Now prediction: Spain 4-3 Gibraltar (6/1, Betfred)

Bahrain vs Iceland

Bahrain duo Basem Mahmood and Duda Durra put up a significantly stiffer test than expected when losing a last-leg decider to the Czech Republic yesterday.

Emerging Iceland are still narrow favourites to get the win here but the performance of Mahmood in particular suggests this could be close.

Odds Now prediction: Bahrain 2-4 Iceland (22/5, BetMGM)

Latvia vs Denmark

Madars Razma could not inspire Latvia to victory over the French yesterday which now means a comprehensive win over Denmark is required to give them any hopes of qualifying.

Benjamin Drue Reus was electric in this tournament last year though and now a tour card holder, he may be capable of helping his nation spring a surprise against a wounded opponent.

Odds Now prediction: Latvia 3-4 Denmark (5/1, general)

Malaysia vs Canada

Matt Campbell is one half of a dangerous-looking Canada outfit
Matt Campbell is one half of a dangerous-looking Canada outfit

Malaysia averaged just 73 en route to a 4-0 defeat to Croatia on day one and can expect a similarly stern test from Canadian pair Jeff Smith and Matt Campbell.

The two PDC tour card holders are capable of matching the Croats and setting up an all-or-nothing clash this evening,

Odds Now prediction: Malaysia 0-4 Canada (16/5, Coral)

Lithuania vs Chinese Taipei

A solitary break of throw was enough to seal a 4-2 victory for Ireland over Lithuania yesterday, meaning the Baltic nation are now staring an early exit in the face.

They should have too much for debutants Chinese Taipei though, with both of their players posting mid-70s averages back home as a general guide.

Odds Now prediction: Chinese Taipei 2-4 Lithuania (18/5, Betfred)

Norway vs Hungary

Norway went down in very credible fashion to Poland in their opener, with just a solitary break of throw making for a 4-2 defeat in a game where they were the superior scoring side.

That experience should stand them in good stead to upset Hungary, who may be caught cold having not yet played on the stage this year.

Odds Now prediction: Norway 4-1 Hungary (7/1, BetMGM)

USA vs Italy

The USA slumped to a disappointing 4-2 reverse against Portugal yesterday in a low-quality affair, meaning they must now hammer Italy and hope for some luck.

Doubles were their undoing in game one but it's fair to assume they can bounce back an edge out a capable Italian duo here.

Odds Now prediction: USA 4-3 Italy (5/1, Betfred)

Singapore vs Philippines

Paul Lim was up to his old tricks yesterday with two stunning three-figure out shots from the 70-year-old during Singapore's 4-2 loss to Belgium.

It would be great to see the darting icon taste victory here but the Philippines are led by Christian Perez, who has been very solid in his fleeting PDC appearances to date — he could be the difference here.

Odds Now prediction: Singapore 2-4 Philippines (15/4, Quinn Bet)

South Africa vs Switzerland

Northern Ireland made light work of South Africa on opening day but the underdogs will hope that experience will prove useful against Switzerland.

Stefan Bellmont is now a PDC tour card holder and has had a steady first season on the main tour, so he should be the difference-maker for the Swiss.

Odds Now prediction: South Africa 2-4 Switzerland (15/4, Quinn Bet)

New Zealand vs Finland

New Zealand will have been heartbroken by their 4-3 loss to hosts Germany, where only a brilliant 124 on the bull from Gabriel Clemens in the decider denied them match darts.

Their qualification chances have probably faded now but a repeat performance would see them past steady Finnish pairing Marko Kantele and Teemu Harju.

Odds Now prediction: New Zealand 4-1 Finland (3/1, general)

Japan vs Hong Kong

An Asian derby here and Japan should effectively be playing for progression, having spurned four match darts for a famous triumph over 2022 winners Australia on Thursday.

Instead, they must beat Hong Kong and hope. They should do so, but it will be close — particularly if the ultra-talented Man Lok Leung brings his best arrows.

Odds Now prediction: Japan 4-2 Hong Kong (4/1, Sporting Index)

China vs Guyana

China were thumped 4-0 by Austria in their first match but the scoreline does not reflect their efforts. They played some steady stuff in patches but were just beaten by a better outfit.

They should have enough in the tank to overcome sole Caribbean representatives Guyana and can do so in relatively emphatic fashion

Odds Now prediction: China 4-1 Guyana (18/5, Betfred)

Odds Now’s World Cup of Darts best bets - Friday, June 28

Canada to beat Malaysia 4-0 - 2pts @ 16/5 (Coral)

Norway to hit most 180s vs Hungary - 1pt @ 11/4 (Bet365)

Handicap treble - New Zealand -1.5 legs vs Finland, China -1.5 legs vs Guyana, Denmark +1.5 legs vs Latvia - 2pts @ 3/1 (general) 

Total staked - 5pts

Previous Next