The upcoming Solheim Cup promises another nail‑biting showdown, but the big question remains: which side will hoist the trophy, and which golfers are poised to make a splash at Bernardus Golf? Team USA arrives in the Netherlands as the reigning champions, eager to secure their first triumph on European soil since their 2015 victory. Two years ago they celebrated a 15.5‑12.5 home win in Virginia, and now they hope to replicate that success abroad.
Leading the American contingent is Angela Stanford, who heads a formidable roster that includes world No. 1 Nelly Korda. The squad boasts ten players who have previously competed in the Solheim Cup, giving the United States a depth of experience that could prove decisive as they seek to overcome the recent pattern of near‑misses in overseas editions. Across the pond, the European side is anchored by England’s own Charley Hull and Lottie Woad, who headline a team captained by Anna Nordqvist.
Europe’s lineup features six members of the group that secured a dramatic 14‑14 tie on home turf in 2023, adding a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh talent to the mix. Historically, the Solheim Cup has been a tightly contested affair when played in Europe. The last four European venues – as well as the 2021 edition in the United States – have all been decided by a margin of two points or fewer.
There is little reason to expect this week’s battle to break that trend. What do the pundits from Sky Sports and the Golf Channel predict for the 2026 Solheim Cup? Which European players could emerge as breakout stars, and who are the key figures likely to shape the outcome?
We reached out to the experts for their insights. Team USA is chasing back‑to‑back titles for the first time since 2017. Alison Lee is the sole member of the current squad who also featured in the dramatic 14.5‑13.5 comeback victory in Germany two years prior, providing a link to that memorable win.
Home‑field advantage has traditionally favored the host nation 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 European layout than the one we saw in Spain, which might give the Europeans a slight edge," noted Sky Sports analyst Sophie Walker. "It does remind me a bit of Walton Heath, and the Americans performed well there during the AIG Women’s Open." Hull delivered a commanding 6&4 victory over Korda in the Sunday singles of the 2024 edition and topped the scoring for Team Europe in that defeat.
Korda, now ranked world No. 8, returns for her eighth straight Solheim Cup appearance, bringing a wealth of experience to the American side. Woad is expected to shine as one of Europe’s four rookie entrants, while long‑time Solheim Cup stalwart Carlota Ciganda made a statement by winning all four of her matches in Spain during the historic 2023 tie.
There is an interesting pattern when captains include three rookies in their line‑up: the team has gone on to win on both occasions this has happened. Europe achieved victory in 2011 and again in 2021 under those circumstances. The current European roster continues that tradition, with newcomers Nastasia Nadaud, Julia Lopez Ramírez and Mimi Rhodes joining Woad in making their debut appearances.
Sky Sports Golf will broadcast at least 12 hours of live action over the first two days. Coverage kicks off at 6 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, leading up to the opening foursomes match at 6:40 a.m.
(7:40 a.m. local time). The afternoon four‑ball sessions are slated for 12:05 p.m.
(1:05 p.m. local), with continuous coverage extending 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?
Fans can follow Team Europe’s quest to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with comprehensive coverage from Friday through Sunday on Sky Sports Golf. For those seeking flexible viewing options, Sky Sports deals and the contract‑free streaming service NOW are also available.