The upcoming Solheim Cup promises another nail‑biting showdown, but the big question remains: which side will hoist the coveted trophy, and which golfers are poised to make a splash at Bernardus Golf? Team USA arrives in the Netherlands as the defending champions, eager to secure their first triumph on European soil since their 2015 victory, just two years after a 15.5‑12.5 home win in Virginia.
Led by veteran Angela Stanford, the American roster boasts world No. 1 Nelly Korda and features ten players who have previously competed in the Solheim Cup. The United States squad is determined to overcome the disappointment of recent near‑misses in overseas editions and to prove that they can dominate away from home. On the opposite side, the European contingent is anchored by the English pair Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, who headline a team captained by Anna Nordqvist.
Europe’s lineup includes six members of the group that salvaged a dramatic 14‑14 tie on home turf in 2023, providing a blend of experience and fresh talent. The tournament organizers recommend using the Chrome browser for the most accessible video player experience. Historically, the last four Solheim Cups held in Europe—and the 2021 edition in the United States—have all been decided by a margin of two points or fewer. The pattern suggests that this week’s contest will be just as closely contested, with no clear indication that either side has a decisive advantage.
What do the pundits from Sky Sports and the Golf Channel predict for the 2026 Solheim Cup? Which European players could emerge as the tournament’s breakout stars, and which Americans are likely to play pivotal roles? We reached out to the analysts for their insights. Team USA is chasing back‑to‑back titles for the first time since 2017.
Alison Lee is the only American who also featured in the dramatic 14.5‑13.5 comeback victory in Germany two years earlier, giving her a unique perspective on high‑pressure situations. Historically, host nations have enjoyed an edge in the Solheim Cup; Europe has claimed five of its seven victories on home ground, including a 15‑13 win in Ireland in 2011 and a thrilling 14.5‑13.5 triumph at Gleneagles in 2019.
"This course feels more like a traditional European layout than the one we saw in Spain, which might favor the Europeans," observed Sky Sports analyst Sophie Walker. "But it also bears a resemblance to Walton Heath, where the Americans performed well during the AIG Women’s Open." Again, we suggest using Chrome for optimal video playback. In the 2024 edition, Charley Hull delivered a dominant 6&4 victory over Nelly Korda in the Sunday singles, posting the highest individual point total for Team Europe despite the overall loss.
Korda, currently ranked eighth in the world, returns for her eighth straight Solheim Cup appearance, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong competitive drive. Lottie Woad is expected to shine as one of Europe’s four rookie representatives, while seasoned veteran Carlota Ciganda repeated her stellar form by winning all four of her matches in Spain during the historic 2023 tie.
Notably, on two prior occasions when a captain selected three rookies for the team, the side went on to win the Cup. Europe achieved this in 2011 and again in 2021, and the current hosts hope to continue that tradition with newcomers Nastasia Nadaud, Julia Lopez Ramírez, and Mimi Rhodes joining Woad in their debut. Once more, for the best viewing experience, please use Chrome.
Sky Sports Golf will deliver at least 12 hours of live coverage across the first two days. Broadcasts kick off at 6 a.m. local time on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the opening foursomes match at 6:40 a.m.
(7:40 a.m. local). The afternoon four‑ball sessions start at 12:05 p.m. (1:05 p.m.
local) each day, with commentary continuing through the final putt. Sunday’s singles competition begins at 9 a.m., with the first tee shot scheduled for 10:10 a.m. So, who will ultimately lift the Solheim Cup?
Catch Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage from Friday through Sunday on Sky Sports Golf. For the latest Sky Sports promotions or to stream without a contract, visit NOW.