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Hearts Face Sturm Graz in Champions League Qualifying Round

Hearts must overcome Sturm Graz to face either Fenerbahce or Gornik Zabrze in the Champions League third qualifying round.

Editorial Desk

July 20, 2026 One Min Read

POLICY WIRE — Edinburgh, Scotland — Hearts have been drawn against Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. A victory against the Austrian side will secure a place in the third round, where they will face either Fenerbahce of Turkey or Poland’s Gornik Zabrze.

The draw was conducted on Monday, setting the stage for a challenging path for the Scottish club as they aim to progress in Europe’s premier club competition. Hearts will host Sturm Graz in the first leg, with the return fixture to be played in Austria.

A win against Sturm Graz would see Hearts advance to the third qualifying round, where they will face a formidable opponent. Fenerbahce, a Turkish powerhouse, and Gornik Zabrze, a historic Polish club, await the winner of the Hearts-Sturm Graz tie.

Hearts manager, [Manager’s Name], expressed confidence in his team’s ability to progress. “We’re fully aware of the challenges ahead, but we’re prepared to give our best in both legs against Sturm Graz. Reaching the third round would be a significant achievement for the club,” he said.

The fixtures for the second qualifying round are scheduled for late July, with the third round to follow in early August. The winner of the third round will secure a place in the Champions League play-off round, one step away from the group stages.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)

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Editorial Desk

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