Ryan Reynolds, co-owner of Wrexham, expressed visible shock when the Welsh club was drawn to face Premier League giants Chelsea in the FA Cup round of 16. The match, scheduled for next month at Wrexham’s Racecourse Ground, marks a rare and eagerly anticipated competitive meeting between these clubs.
Since the high-profile takeover in 2021 by Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham has made remarkable progress, achieving consecutive promotions to reach the Championship, the second tier of English football. Drawing Chelsea, a top-flight team, for the FA Cup fixture is a significant moment for the club and its fans.
Progress of Wrexham Since Reynolds and Mac Acquired the Club
Under the ownership of actor Ryan Reynolds and co-owner Rob Mac, Wrexham has transformed from a lower-league side into a Championship contender. Their journey included regaining a spot in the English Football League and securing back-to-back promotions, an achievement that fueled ambitions to compete with higher-level teams.
The Welsh club previously faced Chelsea twice in pre-season friendlies during their United States tours in 2023 and 2024. However, the upcoming FA Cup tie will be the first official competitive match between the two sides, creating a historic occasion for Wrexham supporters who hardly imagined such a fixture before the 2021 takeover.
The Dramatic Moment of the FA Cup Draw with Hugh Jackman
Reynolds shared a video showing his reaction to the draw, accompanied by actor Hugh Jackman, his co-star from the Deadpool and Wolverine films. Both men watched the live draw on an iPad, visibly tense as the results unfolded.
Jackman was the first to realize Chelsea had been drawn, prompting excitement and disbelief from Reynolds. The actor repeated in astonishment,
“Wait, wait, wait – we’re at home to Chelsea?”
before celebrating the announcement.
“Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵”—Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham co-owner
Jackman encouraged Reynolds by saying, “That’s what you wanted!” followed by a shared high-five. Reynolds then responded with a mixture of excitement and disbelief, concluding, “Chelsea at the Racecourse,” as the moment sank in.
Wrexham’s FA Cup Journey and Upcoming Challenges
Wrexham’s path to the round of 16 included a notable victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the third round, decided by penalties. They further advanced by defeating Championship team Ipswich Town, under the management of Phil Parkinson.
The upcoming match against Chelsea presents a formidable challenge, given the Blues’ strong recent performances. Chelsea secured a convincing 4-0 win over Hull City to progress to the fifth round, doing so without some of their star players like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Despite the excitement around hosting a prestigious side, Wrexham will likely approach the fixture with cautious optimism as they prepare to face Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea squad, who have a rich history and depth.
Historical Encounters and Recent Friendlies Between Wrexham and Chelsea
The only competitive matches prior to this FA Cup draw were pre-season friendlies held in the United States. In January, Wrexham defeated Charlton 5-1, a morale-boosting win under manager Parkinson. The match was Rosenior’s first game in charge after taking over from Enzo Maresca earlier in the year.
In a 2023 friendly match, Chelsea dominated with a 5-0 victory under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino. Goals came from players who have since departed, including Christopher Nkunku, Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, and Ben Chilwell.
The following year, Chelsea and Wrexham drew 2-2 in another friendly, with Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu scoring for Chelsea. These matches have set the stage for a competitive clash that fans from both sides are eagerly awaiting.
Significance and Anticipation for the Upcoming FA Cup Tie
This FA Cup fixture represents a milestone for Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham, highlighting the club’s remarkable rise and growing ambitions in English football. Hosting a club of Chelsea’s stature not only brings prestige but also presents a valuable opportunity to test themselves against top-level competition.
For Chelsea, accustomed to Premier League and European challenges, the tie offers a chance to demonstrate depth and resilience in cup competition. The fixture promises intense action and considerable attention from supporters and media alike.
As the date approaches, both teams will prepare rigorously, with Wrexham hoping to capitalize on home advantage at the Racecourse and Chelsea aiming to maintain their dominance in the cup. The encounter will showcase how far Wrexham has come under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership and will be a defining moment in their ongoing story.
Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aC8EnLCZEl
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 16, 2026
