Why Gerwyn Price is missing from the 2026 World Cup of Darts
No Price in Frankfurt
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the 2026 World Cup of Darts has been the absence of Gerwyn Price from the Wales team.
The tournament got underway in Frankfurt on Thursday, June 11, but the former world champion is nowhere to be seen after withdrawing from the event before a dart had been thrown.
Health rumours emerge
Price’s decision sparked immediate speculation among fans, with many fearing health issues were behind his withdrawal.
Those concerns stemmed from comments he made after a recent Premier League night in Leeds, where he admitted he had not been feeling at his best physically.
As a result, rumours quickly spread that medical problems had forced him out of the World Cup.
Price sets the record straight
The Welshman was quick to dismiss those claims.
Taking to Instagram, Price clarified that his withdrawal had nothing to do with health concerns and insisted there was no serious issue behind his decision.
Instead, the 41-year-old explained that the demanding darts calendar had left him in need of a break.
Time for family
Price revealed that family commitments were the main reason for stepping away from international duty.
After months of travelling and competing, he felt it was important to spend quality time with his loved ones and recharge away from the sport.
He said: “There needs to be a slot where I can take a little bit of time off and give some time back to the family because the schedule’s hectic at the minute. It’s just about taking a break and spending some time with the family.”
Wales forced into late change
Price’s withdrawal left Wales searching for a replacement at short notice.
World No. 60 Nick Kenny was handed the opportunity to step in and will partner Jonny Clayton in Frankfurt.
It represents a major opportunity for Kenny, who now finds himself on one of the biggest stages in team darts.
Not the first time
This is not the first occasion Price has opted out of the World Cup.
He also missed the 2024 edition, when Jim Williams teamed up with Clayton to represent Wales.
A huge setback for Wales
Despite Kenny’s inclusion, Price’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to Welsh hopes.
The former world champion has formed one of the most successful partnerships in World Cup history alongside Clayton.
Together they lifted the trophy in 2020 and 2023, while also reaching the final in 2025.
With a £500,000 prize fund on offer, Wales would have fancied their chances with their star duo in the line-up.
Looking ahead
Although he has chosen to skip the World Cup, Price remains fully focused on the rest of the season.
The Iceman continues to compete at the highest level and remains determined to challenge for major honours in 2026.
His absence from Frankfurt may be temporary, but it has certainly left one of the tournament’s strongest teams without one of its biggest stars.
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