Europa League: Sturm Graz v Stade Rennais – date, kick-off time and where to watch

Sturm Graz host Stade Rennais in the opening round of the Europa League league phase on Wednesday, 16 September 2026.

The match will begin at 19:00 GMT at the UPC-Arena in Graz, with coverage available through a range of broadcasters around the world.

In France, the game will be shown on Canal+ Sport, while viewers in the United Kingdom can watch on HBO Max. Movistar Plus+ holds the rights in Spain, RTL+ in Germany and Canal+ in Austria.

The match will also be available on RTBF, Telenet, BeTV and VRT in Belgium; Paramount+, DAZN and TUDN / ViX in the United States; DAZN in Canada; Sky in Italy; Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands; and Sport TV and DAZN in Portugal.

Across sub-Saharan Africa, the broadcast partners are SuperSport and New World TV, while beIN Sports will show the game in the MENA region.

This will be the first competitive meeting between SK Sturm Graz and Stade Rennais. The clubs have never previously faced each other in European competition, making Wednesday’s fixture their first head-to-head encounter.

Sturm Graz will also be looking to improve their record against French opposition. The Austrian side have recorded one victory, one draw and four defeats in their six previous meetings with French clubs.

Stade Rennais arrive in Austria unbeaten in Ligue 1 this season. Franck Haise’s side have taken three wins and one draw from their opening four league matches, including victories over Le Mans and Angers.

Their most notable result came last weekend, when they defeated Marseille 1-0. That result has strengthened Rennes’ confidence before their first Europa League fixture of the campaign.

Sturm Graz’s start to the season has been less consistent. They secured a 2-1 win against LASK, but their form has also included elimination in the Champions League play-offs and a 3-1 defeat by Rapid Vienna.

Rennes are regarded as the favourites for the fixture. Their unbeaten domestic record and strong collective form give them the edge, while Sturm Graz have appeared vulnerable at times and have shown defensive uncertainty.

The prediction is for a 2-0 victory for Stade Rennais.

The listed betting odds also make Rennes the stronger favourites. Sturm Graz are priced at 3.60 to win, a draw is listed at 3.70, while a Stade Rennais victory is priced at 1.83.