Leona Maguire has earned a spot among Team Europe’s captain’s selections for the upcoming Solheim Cup, with veteran Anna Nordqvist adding three additional newcomers to the roster. Maguire, who has taken part in the last three editions of the Solheim Cup, made an immediate impact as an unbeaten rookie, posting the highest individual score when Europe secured a victory on U.S. soil in 2021. She has since added appearances in the 2023 and 2024 contests, solidifying her reputation as a reliable match‑play competitor.
At 31, Maguire entered the captain’s picks as the highest‑ranked European player on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who had not qualified automatically. Her season on the LPGA Tour featured three top‑10 finishes, although she missed the cut in four of the five major championships she entered. During a live broadcast on Sky Sports, Nordqvist revealed that Maguire was the sole player with prior Solheim Cup experience among her selections.
The other three picks were Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, French newcomer Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s promising talent 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 team competition." The announcement leaves Team Europe with four debutants who will join veterans in facing Angela Stanford’s United States side at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11‑13.
The hosts are eager to reclaim the trophy after a disappointing loss in 2024. Nordqvist praised Maguire’s track record, noting, "Leona has proven herself on Solheim Cup stages, she has a deep passion for Europe, and her record speaks for itself. She thrives in match play, and I’m delighted to have her on the team." The other selections each have compelling stories. Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No.
1, earned her spot by being the next highest‑ranked European after the automatic qualifiers. Nadaud secured her place by climbing the world rankings and by winning the season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2025. Rhodes earned a captain’s pick after capturing three Ladies European Tour titles last season, a remarkable achievement for a player still early in her professional career.
"Playing in the Solheim Cup has always been a dream of mine," Rhodes explained. "Being chosen for the 2026 event exceeds anything I imagined. I’m proud to represent Europe so early in my career." Lopez Ramirez, now in her second LPGA season, impressed with a strong showing at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, while Nadaud expressed disbelief at her rapid rise: "Six months ago I never imagined I’d be on the European Solheim Cup team. It feels like a dream come true to wear the European colors." After revealing her final picks, Nordqvist told Sky Sports News, "I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to finalize the squad.
We have a healthy blend of seasoned players and four rookies – the most we’ve had in recent years – but these rookies play beyond their years. Their attitude and positivity will be vital." She added, "We knew this year would be a little different, but change can be positive. These girls are fearless; they show up ready to compete." 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 in the world secured automatic berths.
Charley Hull topped the LET points list, guaranteeing her eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance. Esther Henseleit narrowly edged out Chiara Tamburlini for the second automatic spot by a margin of 0.9 points, thanks to a runner‑up finish at the season‑ending major. "I’m delighted to be part of the European team again," Henseleit said. "My last experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m excited to compete on home soil.
With the venue close to Germany, I hope many fans will turn out." England’s Lottie Woad also earned 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 return for their third straight Solheim Cups, while France’s Céline Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen secured automatic qualification through points and rankings. 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 worldwide will qualify, after which Captain Angela Stanford will announce her three captain’s picks later this month. Fans eager to see which side lifts the cup can follow the competition live on Sky Sports Golf, with all three days streamed from September 11‑13. The event promises intense match‑play drama, national pride, and the chance for newcomers to make a lasting impact on one of women’s golf’s most prestigious stages.