Leona Maguire has secured a place among Team Europe’s captain’s selections for the upcoming Solheim Cup, while veteran Anna Nordqvist has added three fresh faces to her roster. Maguire, who has taken part in the last three editions of the biennial competition, made an immediate impact as an unbeaten rookie in Europe’s 2021 victory on American soil, topping the scoring charts. She continued to feature in the 2023 and 2024 contests, gaining valuable match‑play experience. Now 31, Maguire entered the captain’s draft as the highest‑ranked European on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who had not already qualified automatically.
Her season on the LPGA Tour has been highlighted by three top‑10 finishes, although she missed the cut in four of the five major championships she entered. During the live announcement on Sky Sports, Maguire was the sole player with prior Solheim Cup experience among Nordqvist’s picks. The other three selections were Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud and England’s promising Mimi Rhodes.
“I’m thrilled to be back with Team Europe in September,” Maguire said after the reveal. “The Solheim Cup brings out the best in my game, and I love the camaraderie and intensity of the team environment.” The announcement leaves Europe with four debutants in the final line‑up, who will travel to Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands to face Angela Stanford’s United States side from September 11‑13.
The Dutch venue offers Europe a chance to reclaim the trophy after the disappointment of 2024. Captain Nordqvist praised Maguire’s credentials, noting, “Leona has proven herself in previous Solheim Cups, she’s passionate about representing Europe, and her record speaks volumes. She’s a match‑play specialist, and I’m delighted to have her on the team.” The three newcomers each bring a distinct set of achievements. Lopez Ramirez, a former world amateur No.
1, earned her spot by being the next highest‑ranked European on the world list after the automatic qualifiers. Nadaud secured her place through the same ranking route, while Rhodes earned a captain’s pick after recording three Ladies European Tour victories last season. Rhodes reflected on her selection: “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.” Lopez Ramirez is making her debut after a strong second season on the LPGA Tour, highlighted by a contention at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open.
Nadaud, meanwhile, entered the conversation after winning the 2025 season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España. “It feels surreal,” Nadaud exclaimed. “If someone had told me six months ago I’d be on the European Solheim Cup team, I wouldn’t have believed them.
It’s a dream come true to represent Europe on such a stage.” Nordqvist, speaking to Sky Sports News after finalising the squad, said, “I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to lock in the team. We have a solid blend of seasoned veterans and four rookies—the most in recent years—but these newcomers are playing beyond their experience level.
They bring enthusiasm, confidence and a fearless attitude.” She added, “We knew going into the year that the composition would be a little different, and that can be a strength. These girls are ready, they show up with determination, and they’re eager to make an impact.” Team Europe’s qualification process 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 worldwide earned automatic berths.
Charley Hull topped the LET points leaderboard, securing her eighth straight Solheim Cup appearance. 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 final major of the season. “I’m delighted to be back with the European squad,” Henseleit said.
“The experience in the United States was fantastic, and I’m eager to compete on home soil. With the venue so close to Germany, I hope we’ll see a huge crowd supporting us.” England’s Lottie Woad also makes her debut, entering as the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings after a series of strong performances on both the LET and the LPGA Tour since turning professional a little over a year ago. Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant return for their third consecutive Solheim Cups, while automatic qualifiers also include France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen. Across the Atlantic, Team USA will complete its qualification after the CPKC Women’s Open (August 20‑23).
The top seven players on the U.S. points list and the next two highest‑ranked globally will earn spots, after which Captain Stanford will announce her three captain’s picks later in the month.
Fans can follow the drama live on Sky Sports Golf, with all three days of action streamed from September 11‑13. The competition promises high‑stakes match play, national pride and the chance for Europe to restore its dominance after a recent setback.