Latvia secured a 4-2 victory over Italy in Group J of the 2026 World Cup of Darts in Frankfurt, keeping their tournament hopes alive. The Latvian duo, anchored by Madars Razma and his teammate, averaged 83.83 points per visit with a 30.77% double-out accuracy, according to tournament results reported by Darts World. Italy struggled to maintain pace, averaging 78.46 points per visit with an 18.18% success rate on closing doubles.
How the Group J Standings Are Shaping Up
The win puts Latvia in contention for a spot in the second round, with a crucial match against Trinidad and Tobago scheduled for Friday. According to official tournament data, only the winner of each of the 12 groups will advance to the next stage. With major nations like England, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Northern Ireland already locking in their second-round berths, the remaining 36 teams are fighting for the final 12 qualifying positions. The total prize pool for this year’s event stands at £500,000.
Comparing Recent Performance
Latvia’s current trajectory marks a shift from their 2025 performance. During last year’s tournament, the Latvian squad failed to progress past the group stage after recording two losses. In contrast, the 2025 title was claimed by Northern Ireland’s Josh Rock and Daryl Gurney. The current statistics highlight a significant improvement in scoring efficiency for the Latvian pair, specifically in their ability to execute 180-point maximums, a feat achieved by Razma during the Italy match.
Why Tournament Experience Matters
Professional darts at the international level is increasingly defined by consistency in high-pressure environments. According to Darts World, the 2026 World Cup format remains highly competitive, requiring teams to perform under intense scrutiny from the Frankfurt crowd. The pressure of the “first-place only” advancement rule forces teams to prioritize high-percentage finishing over raw scoring power, a strategy that served the Latvian duo well against their Italian counterparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams advance from each group in the 2026 World Cup of Darts?
Only the team that finishes at the top of each of the 12 groups will secure a place in the second round.
What was the key difference in the Latvia vs. Italy match?
Latvia’s superior finishing, with a 30.77% success rate on closing doubles compared to Italy’s 18.18%, proved to be the deciding factor in the 4-2 win.
What is the total prize fund for this year’s tournament?
The total prize pool for the 2026 World Cup of Darts is £500,000.
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