Hearts, Sturm Graz, Derek McInnes
17 June 2026
Hearts will face Sturm Graz in Champions League qualifying after finishing second in the Scottish Premiership. The Edinburgh club return to Europe’s top competition qualifiers for the first time in 20 years, with the first leg set for Austria.
The tie arrives amid managerial uncertainty, with Derek McInnes expected to leave Hearts for Rangers. Hearts must prepare quickly for July’s qualifier while choosing a replacement capable of handling domestic pressure and a rare Champions League opportunity.