Leona Maguire has earned a place among Team Europe’s captain’s picks for the upcoming Solheim Cup, with veteran Anna Nordqvist adding three fresh faces to her roster. Maguire’s inclusion marks her fourth appearance in the biennial competition, having burst onto the scene in 2021 as an unbeaten rookie who topped the scoring charts during Europe’s victorious away match against the United States. She later featured in the 2023 and 2024 editions, solidifying her reputation as a dependable match‑play competitor. At 31, Maguire entered the selection process as the highest‑ranked European who had not secured automatic qualification.
Her season on the LPGA Tour produced three top‑ten finishes, yet she missed the cut in four of the five major championships, leaving her just short of the automatic spots. When Nordqvist announced her picks live on Sky Sports, Maguire was the sole player with prior Solheim Cup experience among the newly chosen athletes. The other three selections were Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s promising newcomer 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 that comes with representing Europe." Her enthusiasm reflects the deep personal connection many players feel toward the event, which is often described as the women’s equivalent of the Ryder Cup in terms of passion and national pride. The final European lineup now features four debutants, who will join seasoned campaigners such as Maja Stark, Linn Grant, and Charley Hull as they prepare to travel to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands for the September 11‑13 showdown against Captain Angela Stanford’s United States side. Europe is 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 before; her passion for Europe is immense and her match‑play record speaks volumes. She’s exactly the type of player you want when the pressure is on, and I’m delighted to have her on the team." The three other captain’s picks each bring distinct credentials.
Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No. 1, secured her spot by being the next highest‑ranked European in the world rankings after the automatic qualifiers. She impressed during her second LPGA season, notably contending at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
French rookie Nastasia Nadaud earned her place by winning the season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2025 and climbing the world rankings. Mimi Rhodes, who captured three Ladies European Tour titles last season, was selected for her proven ability to win under pressure. Rhodes expressed her disbelief and pride, saying, "Playing in the Solheim Cup has always been a dream of mine. To be chosen for the 2026 edition so early in my career is beyond anything I imagined.
I’m honored to wear the European colors." Nadaud echoed similar sentiments: "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." When asked about the composition of the squad, Nordqvist highlighted the blend of experience and youthful vigor: "I couldn’t be prouder to finalize the team. We have a solid mix of seasoned veterans and four rookies—the most in recent years—but these newcomers are playing beyond their years. Their attitude and positivity will be vital. We knew this year would be different, and that difference can be a strength.
These girls are fearless, ready, and eager to compete." The qualification process for Team Europe concluded after the AIG Women’s Open. The top two players on the Ladies European Tour Solheim Cup points list, along with the next six highest‑ranked Europeans in the world rankings, earned automatic spots. Charley Hull topped the points list, securing her eighth consecutive Solheim Cup appearance, while Esther Henseleit clinched the second automatic berth by a narrow margin after a runner‑up finish at the final major of the season. Henseleit shared her excitement: "I’m delighted to be back on the European team.
My previous experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m looking forward to competing on home soil. With the venue close to Germany, I hope many fans will turn out to support us." Other automatically qualified players include England’s Lottie Woad, who entered the world rankings as the highest‑ranked European after a series of strong performances on both the LET and LPGA Tours; Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant, both returning for a third straight Solheim Cup; France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda, and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Across the Atlantic, Team USA’s qualification campaign wrapped up after the CPKC Women’s Open, with the top seven in the Solheim Cup points list and the next two in the world rankings securing places. Captain Stanford will announce her three captain’s picks later this month, rounding out a squad that will travel to the Netherlands to contest the coveted cup.
Fans eager to follow the action can watch all three days live on Sky Sports Golf, with additional streaming options available without a contract. The event promises high‑stakes match play, national pride, and the chance for Europe to restore its dominance in one of women’s golf’s most prestigious competitions.