Internationals Lead Presidents Cup 10.5-7.5 Heading Into Final Day at Medinah

The International Team holds a commanding 10.5-7.5 lead over the United States heading into Sunday singles at the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club in Chicago. The Internationals need only 5 points from 12 matches to clinch their first title since 1998 and their first victory on American soil. Australian Min Woo Lee has been pivotal, combining with Ryan Fox to defeat world No.8 Sam Burns and US Open champion Wyndham Clark 3&2 on Saturday afternoon.

How the Internationals seized control

The International Team won all five foursomes matches on Friday, then split Saturday’s sessions to build their lead. Lee and Fox’s 3&2 victory over Burns and Clark proved decisive. The American pair led after six holes but the Internationals caught fire, winning three straight holes with back-to-back birdies and an American bogey to close out the match. Lee and Fox are now 2-0 in the alternate format. International captain Geoff Ogilvy praised the team’s resilience. “Both sessions having all red on the board, down in every match, and to come back and get one and a half points out of this morning we felt like was a little victory,” Ogilvy said.

Min Woo Lee’s opening day statement

Lee announced himself on Thursday by pushing world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns to the 18th hole in the opening match. Lee and Korean star Sungjae Im took the lead at the 13th hole, stunning the American pair and setting a competitive tone. Burns hit back immediately, and the Americans won 1-up when both teams parred the 18th. It was the only match to reach the final hole on opening day. Former Presidents Cup player Frank Nobilo said Lee’s performance had a ripple effect across the entire International camp.

What the USA must do on Sunday

Team USA needs 7.5 points from 12 Sunday singles matches to retain the trophy or 8 points for outright victory. Captain Brandt Snedeker has loaded the first four matches with Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas and Scottie Scheffler to build early momentum. The Americans have never trailed heading into singles on American soil. Team USA holds a 13-1-1 record against the International Team in Presidents Cup history, but this year faces a virtually unprecedented challenge.

International strategy and history

Ogilvy has scattered his strongest players throughout Sunday’s lineup rather than front-loading them, banking on the team’s proven ability to rally. The Internationals have mounted comebacks repeatedly this week. A win would mark only their second Presidents Cup title ever and first away from home. The last International victory came in 1998 at Royal Melbourne. The team needs just 5 points to clinch, meaning USA must sweep the remaining matches to force a tie.

Final Thoughts

The International Team stands on the brink of an historic upset. With a 3-point lead and needing just 5 points from 12 singles matches, they are positioned to end 28 years of American dominance. Min Woo Lee’s performances have proven the Internationals belong on this stage.

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