By: Max Bechtoldt
Now that the 2024 Solheim Cup is in the books, what might the United States team look like when the next Solheim Cup is played in Denmark? I give my predictions here:
Nelly Korda:
We don’t have to say much here, obviously Nelly Korda is going to be on the 2026 Solheim Cup team. Unless something drastic happens, she still should be qualifying automatically, and her 10-5-1 record overall is wildly impressive.
Rose Zhang:
Rose Zhang has been viewed by many as the future of the United States Solheim Cup team, and she showed why in 2024. She went 4-0-0 and never reached hole 17. She showed an ability to play in every format and she should only get better with more experience.
Megan Khang:
You could make a strong argument that Megan Khang has been the MVP of the American team each of the last two Solheim Cups. In her last eight matches, she has gone 7-0-1 and often wins in pretty dominant fashion. No matter what her form is in two years, she should be pretty locked in.
Allisen Corpuz:
Corpuz is worth it to take just because her and Nelly Korda seem to be an automatic win in the foursomes portion of the event. The duo is 4-0-0 across the last two Solheim Cups, and overall Corpuz is 5-2-1, certainly enough to give her the benefit of the doubt even if she isn’t in good form.
Andrea Lee:
This team isn’t entirely an overlap with the 2024 team, but I do think there should be a lot of returning players considering how well the United States meshed this year. Lee went 2-0-1 and formed a formidable duo with Rose Zhang. I think we will see Andrea Lee make a third consecutive Solheim Cup.
Lauren Coughlin:
It is reasonable to assume, based on her current form, that Coughlin just keeps on getting more confident and comfortable as time goes on. Coughlin seemingly didn’t really hit bad shots in the 2023 Solheim Cup, while going 3-0-1.
Lilia Vu:
Though Lilia Vu hasn’t exactly had the most spotless Solheim Cup record, it would be a massive shock to see her form drop off so much that she doesn’t make the team. Vu is one of the best players in the world and has shown even more consistency than ever before since returning from her injury this year.
Sarah Schmelzel:
I think Sarah Schmelzel showed just enough in 2024 to give me confidence she will be back in Denmark. Schmelzel went 2-2 on the week, but was by all accounts fantastic in the team room. I also see this appearance as something that will give her more momentum and confidence, maybe leading to continued strong play.
Alexa Pano:
Alexa Pano didn’t make the 2024 team, something that in hindsight was probably the correct choice, but I don’t see that continuing in 2026. The United States team had just one player under 26 in 2024, so moving a bit younger feels like a smart choice. Pano has a lot of talent and will only be 23 in Denmark.
Angel Yin:
Angel Yin felt like the first person left off the team, mostly because of her injury at the beginning of the season. She has had some nice recent results, showing that she has recovered from her health concern. Yin is 5-3-1 in her Solheim Cup career, is great in the team room and has had a winning record the last two times she played in the event.
Auston Kim:
Auston Kim’s talent level is so high, I have to believe she puts it all together in the next couple of years. The 24-year-old rookie is second in driving distance and eagles made on the LPGA Tour this year, and is seventh in rookie of the year standings. So far she has struggled stringing four strong rounds together, but if she figures it all out, she could be a dangerous weapon for the Americans.
Jennifer Kupcho:
Filling out this final spot is tough, but I decided to lean toward Kupcho. She has shown a lot stronger form in 2024 than in 2023 and has a lot of mixed Solheim Cup experience. She did get a win in the anchor match, her first singles win in her three appearances. This could go to a young player who isn’t yet on the LPGA full time, but for now I will have Kupcho holding this spot.
