The 2026 Solheim Cup, the premier team event in women’s golf, will be contested from September 11 to September 13, 2026, on the Championship Course at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands. This marks the first time the competition will be staged in the country, and the venue—renowned for hosting the Dutch Open on the DP World Tour—offers a classic heathland layout designed by American architect Kyle Phillips. The course features tight, strategic water hazards, a compact routing, a striking clubhouse, and top‑tier practice facilities that will test the skill and composure of both teams. The Solheim Cup pits twelve elite players from the United States against twelve from Europe in a three‑day, match‑play showdown.
The format consists of 28 matches spread across four sessions: two days of team formats—fourball and foursomes—followed by a final day of singles. Each match is worth one point, and the first side to reach 14.5 points secures the trophy. In foursomes, two teammates alternate shots with a single ball, while in fourball each player plays his or her own ball and the lower score of the pair counts for the hole. The Sunday singles feature head‑to‑head contests between every member of the opposing squads.
The event returned to an even‑year schedule to avoid clashing with the Ryder Cup, which moved to odd years after the pandemic‑induced postponement in 2020. Consequently, the Solheim Cup was held in consecutive years in 2023 and 2024, but from 2026 onward it resumes its traditional biennial rhythm.
Qualification for the European team began at the 2024 La Sella Open and concluded after the 2026 AIG Women’s Open at Royal Lytham & St Annes on August 2. The top two players on the Ladies European Tour (LET) Solheim Cup points list earned automatic spots, while the next six places were filled via the world rankings. Charley Hull topped the LET list, securing her eighth straight appearance, and Esther Henseleit edged out Chiara Tamburlini for the second automatic berth.
Newcomer Lottie Woad qualified as the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings, having claimed victories on both the LET and the LPGA Tour since turning professional. Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant returned for a third straight Cup, and France’s Céline Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen also qualified automatically. Captain Anna Nordqvist added four wild‑card selections: Ireland’s Leona Maguire, Spain’s Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes. For Team USA, the qualification window opened at the 2024 FM Championship and will close after the 2026 CPKC Women’s Open (August 20‑23).
The top seven players on the Solheim Cup points list earn automatic places, with the next two spots awarded to the highest‑ranked players on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who have not yet qualified. Captain Stacy Lewis’s successor, Angela Stanford, will lead the United States, bringing six previous Cup appearances, three of which were victories, including the dramatic 2015 comeback in Europe. Stanford has already secured her spot along with Angel Yin and Jennifer Kupcho, who are comfortably within the top seven.
The remaining ten U.S. spots will be filled through the points list and two ranking‑based qualifiers, after which the captain will make three discretionary picks. Stanford has named Kristy McPherson and Paula Creamer as vice‑captains and added five‑time Cup veteran Brittany Lang as an assistant captain.
The 2026 edition follows a recent period of dominance by Team Europe, which captured three straight titles (2022‑2024). However, Team USA rebounded in 2025, winning 15.5‑12.5 after a decisive Sunday singles performance at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club. That victory ended a nine‑year drought for the Americans and set the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the Netherlands. Fans can watch every session live on Sky Sports Golf, with streaming options available without a contract.
For the best viewing experience, organizers recommend using the Chrome browser to access the video player. Ticket sales for both general admission and hospitality packages are now open, and details can be found on the official Solheim Cup website. Looking ahead, the 2028 Cup will move to the iconic Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky, a venue that hosted the Ryder Cup two decades ago.
Future host sites beyond 2028 have yet to be announced, promising further excitement for the world’s premier women’s team golf competition. In summary, the 2026 Solheim Cup promises a blend of historic significance, challenging golf, and fierce international rivalry. With a fresh European venue, seasoned captains, a mix of veteran stars and emerging talent, and a format that rewards both individual brilliance and team strategy, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments for players and spectators alike.