Wrexham handed Hollywood-style clash in FA Cup

On 13 February 2026, Wrexham made history by beating Ipswich Town 1-0 to reach the FA Cup fifth round for the first time. This Monday, their opponent for the next stage was confirmed.

One of England’s most successful clubs in the current millenium is now preparing to visit Wrexham in the fifth round. In a twist worthy of a Hollywood script, Todd Boehly’s Chelsea, another club with American ownership, will face the Championship side.

This will be the second Premier League team Wrexham have played in this FA Cup run, after eliminating Nottingham Forest in the third round following a 3-3 draw and a 4-3 win on penalties.

The tie against Chelsea is set to be the club’s most significant match since Ryan Reynolds became co-owner. It is their first appearance in the round of 16 in almost 30 years and represents one of their best cup runs in recent decades, as the club’s traditions are revived under the ownership of Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Reynolds celebrated the historic 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on Friday by posting a video featuring a series of photographs alongside a short message that read: “5 years and it feels like we’re just getting started.”

There is limited history between Wrexham and Chelsea. They have met ten times competitively, or twelve if friendlies are included, such as the 2-2 draw on 24 July 2024 in Santa Clara. Goals from Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu scored for Chelsea, while Luke Bolton and Jack Marriott found the net for Wrexham.

In 1982, the sides contested a three-match FA Cup tie after drawing the first two games. They finished 1-1 and 0-0 before Chelsea secured a 2-1 win in February to advance to the fifth round.

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Wrexham have beaten Chelsea twice in their history. Their first victory came on 29 December 1979 with a 2-0 win, followed by a 1-0 triumph on 15 November 1980, both matches played in the English Second Division.

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