Wrexham Association Football Club continues its remarkable ascent, reaching the FA Cup’s last 16 for the first time in 29 years after a 1-0 victory over Championship side Ipswich Town on . The win marks another significant milestone for the club, fueled by the high-profile ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Josh Windass scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute, securing Wrexham’s place in the fifth round draw. Manager Phil Parkinson emphasized the historical significance of the achievement, stating, “We spoke before the game about our chance to create a bit of history. We’ve done it, and I’m so pleased because it was always going to be a tough game against a very good side.”
This FA Cup run comes during a period of unprecedented success for Wrexham. The club, formed in 1864, is the oldest in Wales and the third-oldest professional football team in the world. After years in the non-league, Wrexham has experienced three consecutive promotions – winning the National League in 2022-23, and then finishing as runners-up in both the 2023-24 EFL League Two and the 2024-25 EFL League One. This rapid progression has landed them in the EFL Championship, the second tier of the English football league system.
The victory over Ipswich Town also represents the second time this season Wrexham has defeated a higher-ranked opponent in the FA Cup, having previously upset Premier League side Nottingham Forest in a prior round. Parkinson acknowledged the boost this provides for Reynolds and McElhenney, saying, “I think it’s great for our owners, to get them into the fifth round.”
The ownership group’s impact on the club is undeniable. Reynolds and McElhenney acquired Wrexham in 2021, when the team was still competing in the fifth tier of English football. Their investment and celebrity status have brought international attention to the club, transforming it from a local team into a global phenomenon. This week marked the fifth anniversary of their takeover.
Currently sixth in the Championship, Wrexham is aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive promotion, which would see them reach the Premier League for the first time in their 158-year history. Parkinson is keen to balance the excitement of the FA Cup run with the demands of the league campaign. “This season, with the challenge of being in the Championship and now an FA Cup run, we want to enjoy it, and tonight we certainly did,” he said. “We can really look forward to the draw on Monday night when we’ll be in a hotel in Bristol. We’ll savor that but, obviously, it’s the back burner now for the FA Cup, and we’ll concentrate on the league.”
Wrexham’s domestic record includes a remarkable twenty-three wins in the Welsh Cup, five FAW Premier Cup titles, the Football League Trophy in 2005, and the FA Trophy in 2013. However, the recent success under Reynolds and McElhenney has elevated the club to a new level of visibility and ambition.
The club’s home ground, the Racecourse Ground, has a capacity of 12,600. Wrexham Holdings LLC is the current owner, with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds serving as Chairman. The team’s colors are red, reflected in nicknames like “The Reds,” “The Red Dragons,” and “The Robins.”
The FA Cup fifth-round draw will be held on Monday, and Wrexham will be among the teams eagerly awaiting their fate. The club’s journey, fueled by passionate fans and the vision of its Hollywood owners, continues to captivate audiences both on and off the pitch. The team’s ability to compete against, and defeat, higher-ranked opponents underscores the growing strength and potential of Wrexham A.F.C.
