The gap between Team Europe and Team USA has narrowed dramatically in recent Solheim Cup editions, and there is little reason to believe that this weekend’s showdown will break that pattern. Anna Nordqvist’s European squad is set to chase the trophy on familiar turf at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, with the matches being broadcast live on Sky Sports.
This follows a 15.5‑12.5 defeat on American soil two years ago, which marked Europe’s first loss in the biennial competition since 2017. Unlike the Ryder Cup, where recent contests have often produced decisive margins—aside from the dramatic comeback by the United States at Bethpage Black in 2023—the Solheim Cup has consistently delivered nail‑biting finishes.
The last three European venues have produced the three closest results in the event’s history. In 2015 and 2019 the contests were decided by a single point, and the 2023 edition ended in a historic 14‑14 tie. Each of those matches has its own memorable storyline.
In 2015, Team USA staged a record‑breaking singles rally to snatch victory, while in 2019 Suzann Pettersen sank the decisive putt on the 18th green to hand Europe a win at Gleneagles. The 2023 climax was equally thrilling, with Europe rallying after a disastrous Friday opening session and clawing back to the required 14 points in the singles. Even earlier, the 2011 Dublin event saw Europe win by just two points after an injury forced Cristie Kerr out of the singles, underscoring how thin the margins can be on this side of the Atlantic. Given the similarity of the two line‑ups in terms of current form, world rankings and Solheim Cup experience, it is difficult to predict which side will hoist the cup on Sunday evening.
The Rolex Women’s World Golf Rankings still list more Americans among the top‑20 players, which often casts Europe as the underdog. However, Europe now boasts more players inside the top‑10 than the United States, narrowing that perceived gap. Charley Hull is making her eighth consecutive appearance for Europe, while world No. 7 Lottie Woad, despite being labeled a rookie, has already captured two LPGA titles in just over a year as a professional.
Nordqvist can also call on five of the world’s top‑35 golfers, including Esther Henseleit, who surged after a runner‑up finish at the AIG Women’s Open, and Maja Stark and Celine Boutier, both regular contenders on the LPGA Tour. Team USA, on the other hand, enjoys depth in the rankings with nine players inside the top‑50. Their lowest‑ranked participant, rookie Lindy Duncan, sits at No. 66, whereas five of Europe’s players—including all four captain’s picks—rank below that threshold.
"I firmly believe it will come down to home advantage," veteran Dame Laura Davies, a twelve‑time Solheim Cup veteran, told the Sky Sports Golf podcast. "The crowds will be massive, and our girls will feed off that energy. On paper the Americans look like favourites because they all compete on the LPGA Tour, but playing at home makes a huge difference." Aside from Nelly Korda’s extraordinary start to the LPGA season—four wins and never finishing worse than eighth in ten events—few players from either side have added to their winner’s resume in 2026. Lauren Coughlin’s Aramco Championship triumph is the only other LPGA victory by an American Solheim Cup participant this year, while Boutier and Woad are the sole Europeans to have won on American soil.
Hull recently claimed the PIF Saudi Ladies International on the Ladies European Tour, reinforcing her status as a Solheim Cup stalwart. Two years ago she famously defeated Korda 6&4 in the Sunday singles, a result that still resonates. Hull now holds 15 Solheim Cup match wins, the most by any player under 30, and only Annika Sörenstam surpasses her winning‑points percentage among frequent European representatives.
Davies has urged Hull to "step up and lead" Europe again, citing her power off the tee and relaxed demeanor. Nordqvist echoed this sentiment, noting that Hull’s personality lights up the team environment and that she expects the world No.
8 to play a pivotal role in the quest to retain the trophy. There was speculation earlier in the season that Nordqvist might name herself a captain’s pick after a strong summer, but she dismissed the idea, opting instead for four younger selections to round out her roster.
A tied‑seventh finish at the Evian Championship sparked those discussions, as did solid top‑30 finishes in subsequent events. Meanwhile, veteran Georgia Hall missed the cut for the first time since 2015, and Madelene Sagström sat out due to childbirth.
The squad also includes Leona Maguire, the heroine of Europe’s 2021 victory on foreign soil, and rising talents Julia Lopez Ramírez, Nastasia Nadaud and Mimi Rhodes, all eager to test themselves on the biggest stage. "We have a lot of power in the team and I think we’ll be very strong this year," Nordqvist said. "It will be a big change, but we have a solid core group that will make everyone feel comfortable and confident." Historically, when Europe has selected three rookies as captain’s picks—in 2011 and 2021—it has resulted in triumphs. Nordqvist hopes to complete a hat‑trick of such successes.
Who will emerge victorious in the Solheim Cup? Catch Team Europe’s bid to reclaim the trophy live on Sky Sports, with all three days (September 11‑13) streamed on Sky Sports Golf. For the latest deals or a contract‑free streaming option, visit NOW.