The Solheim Cup 2026: All you need to know as Europe host US
The 20th Solheim Cup takes place from 11-13 September, with Europe hosting the United States at Bernardus Golf in the Netherlands as they attempt to reclaim the trophy lost 15½-12½ two years ago in Virginia. The biennial contest, the leading team competition in women's golf, sees both sides under new leadership for the first time in this cycle, with Anna Nordqvist captaining Europe and Angela Stanford leading the US, adding fresh intrigue to a rivalry the US currently leads 11 wins to seven, with one tie.
Europe field a team boasting more world top-10 players than the US, led by English pair Lottie Woad and Charley Hull, while the Americans call on world number one Nelly Korda, winner of two majors this year. The event comprises 28 matches across foursomes and fourballs on Friday and Saturday, followed by 12 singles on Sunday, with a team needing 14½ points to win outright; as holders, the US retain the Cup in the event of a 14-14 draw. BBC Sport will broadcast live radio commentary and provide text updates, highlights and analysis throughout, with temperatures expected to reach around 21C.
In short
- Europe host the US at Bernardus Golf, 11-13 September
- Both teams have new captains: Nordqvist (Europe) and Stanford (US)
- 28 matches decide outcome; US retain trophy if scores tie
Explained simply
The Solheim Cup is a biennial team competition in women’s golf between Europe and the United States. It is played over three days, with pairs matches followed by singles, and is named after golf-club maker Karsten Solheim, whose family helped establish the event.
Each team is led by a captain, who selects and guides the players. The rivalry has been close across past contests, and the United States has won more often overall. The competition matters as a rare chance for leading players to represent their region in a team event, rather than compete individually.
Matches award points to the teams, and the side with the most points wins the Cup. If the final score is level, the team that held the trophy before the contest keeps it.