Niels Feijen Named Team Europe Captain for 2026 Mosconi Cup

Eight-time Mosconi Cup winner and four-time MVP takes charge as Europe targets a seventh consecutive title.

The World Nineball Tour has confirmed that Niels Feijen will return to the Mosconi Cup in 2026, this time leading Team Europe as captain, with the European side chasing a seventh straight victory at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, from November 27–30.

Feijen is one of the most decorated players in Mosconi Cup history. He made his playing debut in the event in 2001 and went on to become a central figure in Team Europe's dominance over the following two decades, lifting the trophy eight times and being named MVP a record four times.

Known for his preparation and competitive mentality as a player, Feijen now moves into a leadership role, tasked with guiding the next generation of European stars on nine-ball's biggest team stage. With Europe having won the last six editions, he will be looking to keep that run going while getting his players ready for the pressure of the event.

"I'm really excited to be captain," Feijen said. "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 go head-to-head with Team USA captain Johan Ruijsink, who was recently confirmed to lead the Americans again in 2026 — renewing a rivalry the two have carried since long before their captaincy days.

"I've known Johan since I was 16," Feijen said. "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 following the European players competing on the World Nineball Tour as the qualification race for the 2026 Mosconi Cup heats up. Newly crowned US Open champion Francisco Sanchez Ruiz currently leads the European standings after his second US Open title last month, with several other European players still in contention.

"It's been a crazy year for European players," Feijen said. "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 after the Philippines Open Pool Championship, which runs from October 20–24.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, welcomed the appointment: "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."

With Team Europe chasing a historic seventh consecutive Mosconi Cup title and Team USA looking to reclaim the trophy on home soil, the 2026 edition sets up another chapter in one of pool's biggest rivalries. The Mosconi Cup takes place at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida, from November 27–30, 2026, with tickets available through Matchroom's ticketing partner.