# Sturm Graz 2026 season developments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sturm-graz-2026-season-developments
> Updated: 2026-08-22T16:52:24.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

In July 2026, Sturm Graz announced a staffing change, appointing former captain Stefan Hierländer as assistant coach for the reserve side and extending striker Leon Grgic’s contract despite his recent cruciate‑ligament injury. The club highlighted Hierländer’s role in youth development and Grgic’s expected return after rehabilitation.

By early August, the team was gearing up for the new Austrian Bundesliga campaign. Head coach Markus Schopp discussed preparations for the opening home match against Hartberg, including stadium upgrades and fan‑inspired tunnel decorations. Simultaneously, the reserve side faced Floridsdorfer AC, with both senior and reserve coaches emphasizing the need to improve ball possession after recent results.

On August 7, Sturm Graz secured their first Bundesliga victory of the season with a 2-0 win in the Styrian derby against TSV Hartberg. Substitute Nelson Weiper scored both goals in the 69th and 81st minutes, following a red card issued to Hartberg's Konstantin Schopp. Meanwhile, Sturm Graz II achieved a 4-2 victory against FAC in the Austrian Second League.

On August 22, Sturm Graz played to a 1-1 draw against newcomers Austria Lustenau. Although Sturm dominated much of the match, they struggled with efficiency and ball control. Lustenau took an early lead through a Dominik Weichselbraun header, but Sturm equalized via a Seedy Jatta penalty following a VAR intervention. Despite Lustenau finishing with ten men after goalkeeper Domenik Schierl received a red card in stoppage time, they secured a point. Coach Fabio Ingolitsch expressed dissatisfaction with the performance, noting the team has fallen short of its ambitions despite remaining undefeated after four rounds.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-22: Austrian Bundesliga: Hartberg wins late while Sturm Graz draws

TSV Hartberg earned their first Bundesliga win with a late 2-1 victory over SCR Altach, while SK Sturm Graz drew 1-1 against Austria Lustenau, leaving the title contenders frustrated.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tsv-hartberg-secures-first-season-win-against-altach

### 2026-08-07: Sturm Graz defeats TSV Hartberg in Styrian derby

Sturm Graz defeated TSV Hartberg 2-0 in the Bundesliga thanks to a Nelson Weiper brace, while SV Austria Salzburg secured a 4-1 victory over Vienna in the Second League.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sturm-graz-kicks-off-austrian-season-with-matches-in-styria

### 2026-07-13: Sturm Graz adds former captain Hierländer as assistant coach, extends Grgic's deal

Sturm Graz appointed former captain Stefan Hierländer as assistant coach for its reserve side and extended striker Leon Grgic's contract despite his ACL injury.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sturm-graz-adds-former-captain-hierlnder-as-assistant-coach-extends-grgics-deal

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Cite as: Sturm Graz 2026 season developments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sturm-graz-2026-season-developments