Leona Maguire has earned a place among Team Europe’s captain’s picks for the upcoming Solheim Cup, joining a group that also features three fresh faces added by captain Anna Nordqvist. Maguire’s inclusion marks her fourth appearance in the biennial competition, having made a strong impression as an unbeaten rookie in Europe’s 2021 victory on U.S.
soil, and subsequently taking part in the 2023 and 2024 editions. At 31, Maguire arrived on the captain’s list as the highest‑ranked European who had not qualified automatically. Her season on the LPGA Tour has been highlighted by three top‑ten finishes, although she missed the cut in four of the five major championships she entered. When Nordqvist announced her selections live on Sky Sports, Maguire was the sole player with prior Solheim Cup experience among the new picks, which also included Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s 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 representing Europe." The captain’s choices leave Europe with four debutants who will travel to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands for the September 11‑13 showdown against Angela Stanford’s United States side.
The hosts are eager to reclaim the trophy after their 2024 defeat. Nordqvist praised Maguire’s track record, noting, "Leona has consistently proven herself in Solheim Cup play. Her passion for Europe is evident, and her match‑play credentials make her an ideal pick for this event." The other three selections each bring a compelling story.
Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No. 1, rose to the top of the world rankings after a solid season on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by a strong performance at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
Nadaud secured her spot by winning the season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2025, while Rhodes earned her captain’s pick after capturing three Ladies European Tour titles last season. Rhodes expressed her excitement: "Playing in the Solheim Cup has always been a dream of mine.
To be chosen for the 2026 event is beyond anything I imagined. I’m proud to wear the European colors so early in my professional career." Nadaud added, "It’s unbelievable! Six months ago I never imagined I’d be on the Solheim Cup team. This is a dream come true and a huge honor to represent Europe." After revealing the final roster, Nordqvist told Sky Sports News, "I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to finalize the team.
We have a solid blend of seasoned veterans and four rookies—the most in recent years—but these newcomers are playing far beyond their experience level. Their attitude and positivity will be a huge asset." She continued, "We knew this year would be a little different, but change can be positive. The way these young women play—fearless, ready, and eager—gives us confidence heading into the competition." Team Europe’s qualification campaign concluded at 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 Europeans secured automatic berths. Charley Hull topped the LET points list, confirming her eighth straight Solheim Cup appearance, while Esther Henseleit edged out Chiara Tamburlini for the second spot by a narrow 0.9‑point margin, thanks to a runner‑up finish at the final women’s major of the year.
Henseleit shared her thoughts: "I’m delighted to be part of the European team again. My previous experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m eager to compete on home soil. With the venue close to Germany, I hope many fans will turn out to support us." England’s Lottie Woad also makes her debut, entering as the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings after a breakout year that saw her claim victories on both the LET and the LPGA Tour.
Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant return for their third consecutive Solheim Cups, while automatic qualifiers include France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Across the Atlantic, Team USA will complete its roster 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 Americans will earn automatic spots, after which captain Angela Stanford will announce three captain’s picks later in the month.
The stage is set for a compelling contest. Fans can watch every match live on Sky Sports Golf from September 11‑13, as Europe seeks to overturn the previous year’s loss and bring the cup back to the continent.
The tournament promises high‑stakes match play, national pride, and the chance for newcomers to make a lasting impact alongside seasoned campaigners.