VAN VEEN ADMITS MVG’S WORLD CUP FUTURE COULD HINGE ON DUTCH DUO’S DISPLAY
09/06/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
GIAN VAN VEEN admits he is under pressure at the World Cup knowing Michael van Gerwen’s return could depend on their performance.
The Dutch pair will team up in Frankfurt next week as the Netherlands look to end an eight-year wait for glory.
Mighty Mike has featured only once in the last four editions, choosing to sit out three tournaments while managing his workload.
The three-time world champion returned in 2024 but suffered a shock second-round exit.
World No3 Van Veen heads into the major event as captain after leapfrogging his compatriot in the rankings.
But Van Veen insists that title only applies on paper.
He said: “On ranking, yes. On persona, no.
“It’s a tournament I played in last year with Danny Noppert, and I loved every leg and every match on that stage. I’m really looking forward to getting back there.
“This year, of course, it’s going to be very different with Michael. Danny and I know each other’s games inside out and know each other really well.
“With Michael it’s going to be different, but I still think we’re going to click on that stage. We’re going to do really well and hopefully on Sunday evening we’ll be lifting that trophy.”
Van Veen also revealed that Van Gerwen was keen to see how the partnership would develop following his rapid rise in the sport, which culminated in a maiden major title at last year’s European Championship.
He added: “If Michael didn’t fancy it, he could easily have pulled out because that’s what he’s done in the past couple of years.
“He said to me, ‘I don’t know what it’s like to play with you, so I want to give that a go.’
“He also told me today that he’s really looking forward to it.
“Hopefully it’s going to be a great weekend next week. But I know that if Michael and I are allowed to play together again next year and he pulls out, then I didn’t do well enough this weekend.
“So there’ll be some pressure, but I’m just going to enjoy it and hopefully it’s going to be a great one.”
Van Veen and Van Gerwen enter the competition as second seeds and are in action in the second round at the Eissporthalle on June 13.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
