Eight-time Mosconi Cup winner and four-time MVP takes charge as Europe targets seventh consecutive title
The World Nineball Tour is thrilled to announce that Niels Feijen will return to the Mosconi Cup in 2026 — but this time, he will lead Team Europe from the captain’s chair as the European side targets a seventh consecutive victory at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida from 27–30 November.
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One of the most decorated players in Mosconi Cup history, Feijen made his debut in the competition as a player in 2001 and went on to become an integral part of Team Europe’s dominance across more than two decades.
The Dutchman has lifted the Mosconi Cup eight times and has been named MVP on a record four occasions — more than any player in the history of the competition.
Renowned for his professionalism, preparation and competitive mentality, Feijen now steps into a new role, taking responsibility for guiding the next generation of European stars on the biggest team stage in nine-ball.
With Team Europe having won the last six editions of the Mosconi Cup, Feijen will be tasked with maintaining the standards that have made Europe the dominant force in the competition while ensuring his players are prepared for the unique pressure and intensity of the event.
Niels Feijen, Team Europe Captain, said: “I’m really excited to be captain. I’ve lived every emotion the Mosconi Cup can give you as a player, from the biggest highs to the toughest losses, and now I get the chance to use that experience to help the European team.
“The quality in Europe is incredible right now. My job is to make sure the players are mentally ready for those race-to-five matches and the pressure that comes with representing Europe. We know what we’re capable of, and I want to take that one step further.”
Feijen will also renew a long-standing relationship with Team USA captain Johan Ruijsink, who was recently confirmed to return to lead the Americans for the 2026 Mosconi Cup.
Feijen added: “I’ve known Johan since I was 16. He was one of the people who helped bring me into the game, and we’ve worked together and been friends for more than 30 years. We’re both incredibly competitive, so going up against each other as captains is going to be intense and fun.”
Feijen has also been keeping a close eye on the European players competing across the World Nineball Tour, with the qualification race for the 2026 Mosconi Cup intensifying.
The recently crowned US Open champion, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz currently leads the European qualification standings following his second US Open title last month, with a host of European stars chasing places on the team.
Feijen said: “It’s been a crazy year for European players. We’ve got so many heavy hitters, and we’re seeing new players emerge and make deep runs. You can really feel the level rising as the qualification cut-off gets closer.”
The qualification cut-off for the 2026 Mosconi Cup will be confirmed following the Philippines Open Pool Championship, which takes place from 20–24 October.
Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “Niels is one of the greatest Mosconi Cup players we’ve ever seen, so having him return in the role of Team Europe captain is a fantastic moment for the competition.
“His record speaks for itself, but what makes Niels such an exciting captain is the experience and professionalism he can bring to this group. He knows exactly what it takes to perform under the pressure of the Mosconi Cup, and he understands what it means to wear the European shirt.
“With Johan returning for Team USA, we now have two captains with an incredible history together and a deep understanding of what it takes to win this event. I think that makes Orlando even more exciting.”
With Team Europe chasing a historic seventh consecutive Mosconi Cup victory and Team USA looking to reclaim the trophy on home soil, the 2026 edition promises another chapter in the greatest rivalry in pool.
The Mosconi Cup takes place at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida from 27–30 November 2026.
Tickets for the 2026 Mosconi Cup are on sale now, with fans encouraged to secure their seats for four days of unmissable Nineball pool action in Orlando. Purchase your tickets here.
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