The Stade Rennais returns to the European stage on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, traveling to face Sturm Graz at the Merkur Arena in Austria for the opening fixture of the UEFA Europa League group phase, according to match reports from regional sports outlets. Kickoff is scheduled for 21:00 local time (UTC+2).
Sturm Graz Test Awaits an Ambitious Rennes Squad
Rennes enters this European opener riding a strong wave of domestic momentum. According to reports from regional and national sports coverage, manager Franck Haise’s side remains undefeated at the start of the 2026-27 campaign. Following an opening 2-2 draw against Paris Saint-Germain, the Breton club reeled off three consecutive victories in Ligue 1, capped by a hard-fought 1-0 win against Marseille.
That run leaves Rennes sitting comfortably as they cross the border for their first continental test in two years. However, the fixture at the Merkur Arena presents a unique challenge. Sturm Graz enters the competition after being relegated to the Europa League following an elimination against Fenerbahçe. The Austrian side bounced back domestically with a 2-1 victory over LASK and historically boasts a strong home record, having won four of its last six European home matches in group or league phases.
Expected Lineups and Tactical Setup
Manager Franck Haise is expected to lean toward continuity rather than heavy rotation for this opening European fixture, differentiating his approach from some domestic rivals.
In goal, experienced goalkeeper Brice Samba is projected to start behind a defensive block featuring Przemyslaw Frankowski, Charlie Cresswell, Anthony Roualt, and Quentin Merlin, though outlet variations also note Mahamadou Nagida as an alternative option on the flanks. The midfield engine room is expected to feature Valentin Rongier, Mahdi Camara, and Adrien Thomasson, tasked with providing both defensive steel and quick transitions.
In the attacking third, Ludovic Blas and Mousa Tamari are slated to provide width and creativity, while Estéban Lepaul anchors the frontline. Lepaul has quickly established himself as a primary offensive weapon for the Rouge et Noir during the opening weeks of the season.
Sturm Graz Personnel and Availability
On the Austrian side, manager Fabio Infolitsch faces a few selection adjustments. Midfielder Emran Soglo enters the fixture carrying an injury designation and is listed as doubtful to feature, according to pre-match reports. Despite that potential absence, the remainder of the Austrian squad is available.
Sturm Graz is projected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 setup designed to test the Rennes backline. Goalkeeper Dabuuk Khudyakov is expected to anchor the defense behind a back four likely consisting of Jurgen Heil, Albert Vallci, Paul Koller, and Luis Balbo, with alternative projections noting defensive combinations involving Andrade, Tornich, Mbuyamba, and Bello. In attack, the Austrian outfit can call upon experienced forward Sasa Kalajdzic alongside creative threats such as Belmin Beganovic, Oumar Diakité, Seedy Jatta, and Jacob Hödl.
24 HEURES À GRAZ 🇦🇹
— Stade Rennais F.C. (@staderennais) September 15, 2026
Échange des contremarques, transports, balades culturelles, vocabulaire… Ce qu'il faut savoir pour préparer son voyage dans la deuxième ville d'Autriche.刚需 → https://t.co/jLdRik7u53 pic.twitter.com/NoNwM2yf1
What Comes Next in the Europa League
Following Wednesday night’s encounter at the Merkur Arena, Stade Rennais will immediately turn its attention back to domestic competition with a high-stakes Ligue 1 fixture away against Olympique Lyonnais on Saturday. Sturm Graz will resume its domestic league campaign as the UEFA Europa League group phase continues through the autumn.
Worth a look
