Leona Maguire has earned a spot among Team Europe’s captain’s picks for the upcoming Solheim Cup, as captain Anna Nordqvist also added three fresh faces to her roster. Maguire’s inclusion marks her fourth appearance in the biennial competition, having made an immediate impact as an unbeaten rookie during Europe’s victorious 2021 campaign in the United States, and subsequently featuring in the 2023 and 2024 editions. At 31, Maguire entered the selection list as the highest‑ranked European on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who had not already qualified automatically. Her season on the LPGA Tour was highlighted by three top‑10 finishes, although she missed the cut in four of the five major championships she entered.
When Nordqvist revealed her picks live on Sky Sports, Maguire was the sole veteran with prior Solheim Cup experience among the new selections. The other three players were Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s promising Mimi Rhodes. "I’m thrilled to be back with Team Europe in September," Maguire said after the announcement. "The Solheim Cup brings out the best in my game, and I love the camaraderie and intensity of the team environment." Maguire’s return leaves Europe with four debutants in the line‑up that will travel to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands to face Angela Stanford’s United States side from September 11‑13.
The hosts are eager to reclaim the trophy after a disappointing 2024 showing. Captain Nordqvist praised Maguire’s track record, noting, "Leona has proven herself on Solheim Cup stages, she has a deep passion for Europe, and her match‑play record speaks volumes.
She’s exactly the kind of player you want on a team that thrives on pressure situations." The announcement also highlighted the paths taken by the newcomers. Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No. 1, secured her place as the next highest‑ranked European after the cutoff date, while Nadaud earned her spot through a strong finish in the world rankings and a victory at the 2025 Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España. Rhodes, who captured three Ladies European Tour titles last season, was chosen for her recent form and winning mentality.
"Playing in the Solheim Cup has always been a dream of mine," Rhodes explained. "Being selected for the 2026 edition is beyond anything I imagined. I’m proud to represent Europe so early in my professional career." Lopez Ramirez is making her debut after an impressive second season on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by a contention at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
Nadaud, meanwhile, expressed disbelief at her rapid rise: "If you had told me six months ago I’d be on the European Solheim Cup team, I wouldn’t have believed you. It’s a dream come true to wear the European colors." Nordqvist, speaking to Sky Sports News after finalising the squad, said, "I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to lock in the team. We have a healthy blend of seasoned veterans and four rookies—the most in recent years—but these newcomers are playing like seasoned pros.
Their attitude and positivity will be a huge asset." She added, "We knew this year would be a little different, but change can be positive. These girls are fearless, they show up ready, and they embrace the challenge." Team Europe’s qualification process concluded after the AIG Women’s Open, where the top two players on the Ladies European Tour (LET) Solheim Cup points list and the next six highest‑ranked players worldwide secured automatic berths.
Charley Hull topped the LET points list, earning her eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance, while Esther Henseleit edged out Chiara Tamburlini for the second automatic spot by a narrow 0.9‑point margin, thanks to a runner‑up finish at the season‑ending major. "I’m delighted to be back with the European team," Henseleit said.
"The experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m eager to compete on home soil. With the event so close to Germany, I hope many fans will turn out to support us." England’s Lottie Woad also secured a place, becoming the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings after a string of victories on both the LET and LPGA Tour since turning professional thirteen months ago. Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant returned for their third straight Solheim Cups, while automatic qualifiers also included France’s Céline Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Across the Atlantic, Team USA’s qualification window closed after the CPKC Women’s Open (August 20‑23).
The top seven players on the U.S. Solheim Cup points list and the next two highest‑ranked globally earned spots, after which Captain Angela Stanford will announce her three captain’s picks later this month. Fans eager to follow Europe’s quest to regain the Solheim Cup can watch all three days live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13. The broadcast will also be available via streaming services without a long‑term contract, ensuring easy access for golf enthusiasts worldwide.
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