Leona Maguire has earned a place among Team Europe’s captain’s selections for the upcoming Solheim Cup, with veteran Anna Nordqvist adding three fresh faces to the roster. Maguire, now 31, has been a regular fixture in the competition over the last three editions, making a memorable debut as an unbeaten rookie who topped the scoring board when Europe secured a historic away victory over the United States in 2021. She continued to feature in the 2023 and 2024 contests, building a reputation as a dependable match‑play performer. Despite not qualifying automatically, Maguire was the highest‑ranked European on the Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings who missed the automatic cut.
Her season on the LPGA Tour has been impressive, highlighted by three top‑ten finishes, although she struggled in the major championships, missing the cut in four of the five events she entered. Her blend of experience and recent form made her an obvious choice for Nordqvist’s captain’s picks, which were announced live on Sky Sports. The other three players joining the squad are Spain’s rising star Julia Lopez Ramirez, France’s Nastasia Nadaud, and England’s Mimi Rhodes. All three earned their spots through a combination of world‑ranking positions and strong performances on the Ladies European Tour.
Maguire was the sole veteran among the four picks, bringing a wealth of Solheim Cup knowledge to a line‑up that now includes four debutants. "I’m thrilled to be back with Team Europe in September," Maguire said after the announcement.
"The Solheim Cup brings the best out of my game, and I love the camaraderie and intensity of the team environment." The competition will be staged at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands from September 11‑13, where the European side will look to reclaim the trophy after a disappointing loss in 2024. Captain Nordqvist praised Maguire’s track record, noting, "Leona has proven herself on Solheim Cup stages.
She has a huge passion for Europe, and her record speaks for itself. She’s exactly the kind of player you want in match play, and I’m delighted to have her on the team." The other selections also shared their excitement.
Rhodes, who secured three Ladies European Tour victories last season, said, "Playing in the Solheim Cup has always been a dream. Being chosen for the 2026 edition is beyond anything I imagined. I’m proud to represent Europe so early in my career." Lopez Ramirez, making her debut after a strong second season on the LPGA Tour that included a contention at the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open, expressed her gratitude.
Meanwhile, Nadaud, who captured the season‑ending Andalucía Costa del Sol Open de España in 2025, reflected, "It’s unbelievable. 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 Euro badge." Nordqvist, speaking to Sky Sports News after finalising the roster, said, "I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to lock in the team.
We have a solid mix of seasoned players and four rookies – the most in recent years – but these newcomers are playing beyond their years. Their attitude and positivity will be huge assets." She added, "We knew the season would be a bit different, but change can be positive. These girls are fearless, they show up ready, and they play with confidence." 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 secured automatic spots. Charley Hull topped the points list, earning her eighth straight Solheim Cup appearance, while Esther Henseleit edged out Chiara Tamburlini for the second automatic place by a slim 0.9‑point margin, thanks to a runner‑up finish at the year‑ending major.
Henseleit commented, "I’m delighted to be back with Team Europe. My last 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 secured a debut spot as the highest‑ranked European in the world rankings, having claimed victories on both the Ladies European Tour and the LPGA Tour since turning professional 13 months ago. Sweden’s Maja Stark and Linn Grant return for their third consecutive Solheim Cups, while France’s Celine Boutier, Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen qualified automatically through points and rankings.
Across the Atlantic, Team USA’s qualification race will finish after the CPKC Women’s Open in August, with the top seven on the Solheim Cup points list and the next two highest‑ranked players earning spots. Captain Angela Stanford will later announce her three captain’s picks, rounding out the American squad.
Fans eager to see whether Europe can recapture the cup can tune in to Sky Sports Golf for live coverage of all three days of action from September 11‑13. The tournament promises high‑stakes match play, national pride, and the chance for new talents to make a lasting impression on one of women’s golf’s most prestigious stages.