The “Hollywood” rise of Wrexham AFC has reached a fever pitch this week as the Welsh club, now competing in the Sky Bet Championship, secured a historic FA Cup fifth-round draw against Premier League giants Chelsea. Following a 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town on 13 February 2026, the Red Dragons have reached this stage of the competition for the first time in 29 years.
Co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who recently celebrated their five-year anniversary at the helm, were joined by actor Hugh Jackman in a viral social media reaction to the draw. Reynolds described the upcoming home fixture at the Racecourse Ground as a “dream” scenario for the club, which has achieved three consecutive promotions to reach the second tier of English football.
Championship Campaign and Promotion Push
While the FA Cup provides a glamourous distraction, manager Phil Parkinson remains focused on the club’s primary objective: a historic push toward the Premier League. Wrexham currently sits in a competitive position within the Championship table. Parkinson has publicly welcomed discussions regarding a potential expansion of the Championship play-off system from four to six teams, noting that the depth of talent in the league justifies more opportunities for promotion.
The club faces a critical league fixture tonight, 17 February 2026, travelling to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City. Parkinson emphasized that his squad must bring their “A-game” to maintain their momentum in the promotion race. The Red Dragons are looking to build on the defensive solidity shown in their recent win against Ipswich, where a first-half goal from Josh Windass proved decisive.
Historical Context and Global Growth
Founded in 1864, Wrexham AFC is the oldest professional club in Wales and the third oldest in the world. Their home, the Racecourse Ground, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest international football stadium still in use. While the club is historically the most successful in the Welsh Cup with 23 titles, its recent trajectory under the “Adwaenydd” (The Welcome) era has transformed it into a global brand.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Current League | Sky Bet Championship (Tier 2) |
| Next FA Cup Opponent | Chelsea (Home – March 2026) |
| Recent Form | 1-0 Win vs Ipswich Town (FA Cup) |
| Ownership Tenure | 5 Years (Acquired February 2021) |
The “Chelsea” Fever
The upcoming clash with Chelsea is expected to be one of the most-watched matches in the club’s history. For the Wrexham faithful, the tie represents a full-circle moment from the club’s days in the National League just four seasons ago. Despite the disparity in squad valuations, the atmosphere at the Racecourse is expected to be electric, with fans expressing confidence that the “Giant Killers” of old can produce another upset against top-flight opposition.
Off the pitch, the owners continue to emphasize sustainability. In a recent interview with The Athletic, McElhenney and Reynolds reiterated that despite the rapid ascent, their commitment to the Wrexham community remains the foundation of their project, stating, “We’ve just got started.”