European Triumph at the 2026 Solheim Cup

The United States team faced a hard lesson during the Solheim Cup weekend against Europe. Not everything is suited for social media.

After the morning foursomes on the second day, the U.S. was trailing 7-5. With Europe holding the momentum on their home turf in the Netherlands, the Americans needed strong performances in the afternoon fourball matches.

Despite losing the first fourball match, the U.S. team rallied to win the next three. The highlight was the anchor match featuring Jennifer Kupcho and Lindy Duncan. They overturned a 2-down deficit in the final four holes against Carlota Ciganda and Celine Boutier. This remarkable comeback tied the overall score at 8-8 going into Sunday’s singles.

Kupcho played a crucial role, sinking a 90-foot putt on the 17th hole to extend the match. She then made another significant birdie putt on the 18th to secure a full point. The U.S. team’s celebrations included sharing photos on social media, showing Captain Angela Stanford with a case of beer.

Meanwhile, Europe’s victory celebrations included champagne on their team bus. They won seven out of 12 singles matches on Sunday, securing the Solheim Cup. European legend Dame Laura Davies led a chant that poked fun at the U.S., chanting “We drink on Sunday, they drink on Saturday.”

Angela Stanford, the U.S. captain, reflected on the celebrations, emphasizing the importance of such moments. “The worst thing I could have done is tell them to stop celebrating,” she said. “You don’t want to take away those moments.”

Europe’s 15-13 victory marked their fourth win or retention of the Solheim Cup in the last five events. The U.S. has not won on European soil since 2015 in Germany.