Solheim Cup 2026: Europe host United States in the Netherlands

The 20th edition of the Solheim Cup takes place from 11 to 13 September at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands, where Europe will attempt to win back the trophy after losing 12½-15½ to the United States two years ago in Virginia.

Held every two years, the event pits two 12-player teams from Europe and the US against each other. It is named after Norwegian-American golf equipment manufacturer Karsten Solheim and his wife Louise, who have backed the competition since it began in 1990. The US have claimed the title 11 times, Europe seven, with one tie recorded in Spain in 2023.

New captains for both sides

Both teams enter the contest under fresh leadership. Sweden's Anna Nordqvist, who announced her retirement from playing this summer, captains Europe, while Angela Stanford leads the US. Nordqvist will be supported by Caroline Hedwall and Anne van Dam, along with Mel Reid, who has previously served on other captains' backroom teams.

Europe go into the event with more players ranked inside the world's top 10 than the US, including English duo Lottie Woad and Charley Hull. The US side includes world number one Nelly Korda, who has won two major titles so far this season.

Format and scoring

Over three days, 28 matches will be contested — foursomes and fourballs on Friday and Saturday, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday involving all 24 players. Each win earns one point, with halved matches splitting the point. The first team to reach 14½ points takes the trophy outright, while a tie would see the US retain it as defending champions.

Conditions are expected to be changeable, with temperatures around 21C but a strong chance of showers and wind adding difficulty to the course, which demands precision and only opened in 2018.