Leona Maguire has earned a place among Team Europe’s captain’s selections for the upcoming Solheim Cup, with veteran Anna Nordqvist adding three fresh faces to her roster. Maguire, now 31, has been a regular fixture in the competition over the past three editions, having made a memorable debut as an unbeaten rookie who topped the scoring board during Europe’s victorious away match against the United States in 2021. She subsequently featured in the 2023 and 2024 contests, solidifying her reputation as a dependable match‑play competitor. Despite a strong showing on the LPGA Tour this season—recording three top‑10 finishes—Maguire fell short of automatic qualification, finishing as the highest‑ranked European in the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who did not earn a spot through the points system.
Her major‑championship form was mixed, missing the cut in four of the five majors she entered, which left her dependent on a captain’s pick. Nordqvist revealed her final selections live on Sky Sports, naming Maguire as the sole player with prior Solheim Cup experience among the four newcomers. The other three picks were Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s promising talent Mimi Rhodes. Maguire expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I’m really excited to be part of Team Europe again in September.
The Solheim Cup brings out the best in my game and I love being part of the team environment.” The announcement brings Team Europe’s lineup to a total of four debutants who will travel to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands for the September 11‑13 showdown against Angela Stanford’s United States squad. After a disappointing 2024 defeat, the hosts are eager to reclaim the trophy on home soil. Nordqvist praised Maguire’s track record, noting, “Leona has proved herself at the Solheim Cup, she has a huge passion for the European team and her record speaks for itself.
She is a player you want on your team—especially in match play—and I’m thrilled to pick her.” The three additional selections each bring distinct credentials. Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No. 1, earned her spot by being the next highest‑ranked European on the world rankings after the automatic qualifiers. Nadaud secured her place through the same ranking pathway, while Rhodes was chosen after a breakout season on the Ladies European Tour in which she captured three titles.
Rhodes reflected on her selection, stating, “It’s always been a dream and goal of mine to play in the Solheim Cup. To now be selected for the 2026 edition is beyond anything I imagined.
I’m proud to represent Team Europe so early in my professional career.” Lopez Ramirez, in her second LPGA season, impressed with a strong showing at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, while Nadaud celebrated a victory at the season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2025. Nadaud added, “It’s unbelievable!
If you’d 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 represent Europe.” Speaking after the final picks were announced, Nordqvist said, “I couldn’t be more proud and excited to finalize the team. We have a good mixture of experience and four rookies—the most we’ve had in a few years—but these rookies are not playing like rookies. They bring great attitude and positivity.
We knew the year would be a little different, and that can be a good thing. The way these girls play, they’re fearless, they show up ready, and they embrace the challenge.” Team Europe’s qualification campaign concluded after the AIG Women’s Open, where the top two finishers on the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup points list and the next six highest‑ranked players secured automatic berths. Charley Hull topped the points list, guaranteeing her eighth straight 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 year’s final major. Henseleit commented, “I’m really happy to be part of the European Solheim Cup team again.
The experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m excited to compete on home soil. With the venue close to Germany, I hope a lot of fans will come out and support us.” England’s Lottie Woad will debut as the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings, having secured victories on both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour since turning professional thirteen months ago. Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant return for their third consecutive Solheim Cups, while France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen qualified automatically through points and rankings. On the American side, the United States will complete its roster after the CPKC Women’s Open, with the top seven players on the Solheim Cup points list and the next two highest‑ranked players earning automatic spots.
Captain Angela Stanford will then announce three captain’s picks later in the month. Fans can watch the entire contest live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, with all three days broadcast across the network and streaming options available without a contract.
The competition promises high‑stakes match play, national pride, and the chance for Europe to restore its dominance after a year of disappointment.