The 2026 Presidents Cup takes place at Medinah Country Club in Illinois from September 24‑27, with Team USA overwhelming favourites to defeat the International Team.
It is the 16th edition of the biennial contest, with Brandt Snedeker captaining the Americans against Geoff Ogilvy’s International side.
The United States are the defending champions having made it 10 straight wins in Montreal two years ago. The USA have now won 13 of the previous 15 editions.
United States need 15 points to retain the Cup in the event of a 15‑15 tie. The International Team must reach 15.5 points across foursomes, fourballs and Sunday singles to win the trophy outright
Current 2026 Presidents Cup Betting Odds
Team USA are strong favourites at 1.25 or -400, while the International Team are priced at 4.50 or +350.
The tie is a longer shot at around 11.00 or +1000, although USA would retain the Cup with a 15‑15 draw as holders.
| Result | Betting Odds |
|---|---|
| Team USA | 1.25 (-400) |
| International Team | 4.50 (+350) |
| Tie | 11.00 (+1000) |
The market reflects USA’s home advantage at Medinah, the world-class quality at the front of its team and the past history of a one-sided Presidents Cup.
Team USA Top Contenders
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler heads Team USA as world No.1 and is the obvious figure around whom captain Brandt Snedeker can build his pairings.
His relentless tee-to-green game, excellent recent record in high-pressure events and ability to make birdies without taking unnecessary risks make him an ideal player for both formats.
Scheffler should be a natural choice for multiple team sessions before taking on a central Sunday singles match.
If he delivers an early point or two, it will make USA’s already strong position even more difficult for the International Team to overcome.
Cameron Young
Cameron Young arrives as one of the top-ranked Americans and gives USA a powerful, aggressive option for fourball.
His length can create a major advantage at Medinah’s No. 3 course, where players able to attack from the tee can place opponents under immediate pressure.
Young’s task will be blending that attacking instinct with the discipline required in alternate shot. Paired with a steadier fairway finder or elite iron player, he has the potential to form one of USA’s most dangerous partnerships.
Xander Schauffele
Xander Schauffele is a captain’s pick in the Presidents Cup teams, but he brings a major champion’s composure and one of the most rounded games in the American lineup.
His calm decision-making, consistent approach play and proven ability to perform in elite fields make him highly valuable in foursomes, where avoiding mistakes often counts as much as making birdies.
Schauffele also provides a strong singles option. His match-play profile is built on a high floor, meaning opponents will have to play well rather than wait for him to give holes away.
Justin Thomas
Justin Thomas adds plenty of experience and emotion to Team USA’s lineup, despite being a controversial captain’s pick.
His creativity around the greens and willingness to embrace a hostile – or, in this case, energised home – atmosphere make him particularly suited to the intensity of team golf.
Thomas can make birdies in clusters when he gets momentum, a major weapon in fourballs.
If he feeds off Medinah’s crowd and establishes a reliable partnership during the opening sessions, he could be one of the most influential American players.
International Team Top Contenders
Hideki Matsuyama
Hideki Matsuyama is the International Team’s highest-profile ball-striker and one of captain Geoff Ogilvy’s most reliable sources of quality.
His world-class iron play gives him a clear route to success in both alternate shot and singles, especially on a course that will put a premium on hitting the right sections of greens.
Matsuyama’s quiet demeanour should not be mistaken for a lack of competitive edge.
If he settles quickly into a partnership and gets the putter working, he has the ability to take points from any opponent USA sends out.
Si Woo Kim
Si Woo Kim arrives as the highest-ranked International qualifier, and his unpredictable but brilliant game makes him a potentially decisive match-play weapon.
He has the shot-making imagination to thrive under pressure and can produce the type of run of birdies that changes the energy of an entire session.
Kim’s challenge will be limiting errors in foursomes, but fourball offers him a natural environment to attack. If he brings his most confident form to Medinah, he can be a real problem for the American side.
Adam Scott
Adam Scott brings vital experience to the International Team and should have a prominent role as a leader within a group featuring several Presidents Cup newcomers.
His elegant, repeatable ball-striking and composed temperament make him a logical option for the more exacting alternate-shot sessions.
Scott’s influence could extend beyond his own matches. A calm, experienced performance in the opening day would offer the International Team the kind of stability needed to prevent USA from building an early, decisive lead.
Tom Kim
Tom Kim gives the International Team a high-energy, fearless competitor whose personality is well suited to match play.
He has already shown an appetite for big moments and has the imagination to make birdies from difficult positions, an important attribute on a course with championship pedigree.
Kim is particularly dangerous when he starts quickly and draws energy from the occasion.
If paired with an experienced teammate such as Matsuyama or Scott, he could help the International Team generate the momentum required to challenge the odds.
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