The story of Wrexham AFC has become one of the most captivating narratives in modern football. From the depths of non-league football to the bright lights of the Championship, this Welsh club’s journey has captured global attention. As we examine their fixtures for the 2025-26 season, we witness a club that has achieved something unprecedented in English football history: three consecutive promotions that have taken them from the National League to the Championship in just three seasons.

The Historic Journey: From National League to Championship

On 26 April 2025, Wrexham beat Charlton Athletic 3–0 at home to seal 2nd place in the league and promotion to the EFL Championship, making Wrexham the first team in the history of English football to be promoted in three consecutive years within the top five divisions. This remarkable achievement has positioned Wrexham as one of the most watched teams in English football, with their fixtures now carrying unprecedented global interest.

Three consecutive promotions led Wrexham back to England’s second tier for the first time in 43 years, marking a return to a level of football that older supporters thought they might never see again. The club’s last appearance in the second tier was during the 1981-82 season, making this promotion particularly emotional for long-standing fans who have waited over four decades for this moment.

The transformation under Hollywood ownership has been nothing short of spectacular. Friends, business partners and fellow actors Reynolds and McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC for $2.5 million back in 2020, with the (then-unlikely) aim of taking the oldest Welsh soccer team (and third-oldest overall) from the National League to the top rank of English soccer. What seemed like an ambitious dream just five years ago now appears increasingly achievable as the club prepares for Championship football.

Opening Day: Southampton Away – A Championship Baptism

They will begin the 2025–26 Championship season with a daunting away trip to Southampton, a fixture that immediately signals the step up in quality that Wrexham faces in their new division. Southampton, recently relegated from the Premier League, represents exactly the type of challenge that awaits the Red Dragons throughout their Championship campaign.

This opening fixture carries enormous significance beyond just three points. It represents Wrexham’s official arrival at the Championship level and provides an immediate benchmark for how they might fare against established second-tier opposition. Southampton’s recent Premier League experience and superior resources make them formidable opponents, but this challenge embodies the type of test that could define Wrexham’s season.

The timing of this fixture also captures global attention, as millions of viewers who have followed Wrexham’s journey through the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series will tune in to witness this historic moment. The pressure and expectation surrounding this opening game reflect the unique position Wrexham now occupies in world football.

First Home Game: Welcoming West Bromwich Albion

Wrexham’s second Championship fixture offers them their first home clash. The Red Dragons welcome West Bromwich Albion to the Racecourse Ground in front of an intimidating crowd, but it’s another challenging battle. West Brom narrowly missed out on a play-off place last season, setting up what promises to be an electric atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground.

The significance of this home debut cannot be overstated. After years of playing in lower divisions, Wrexham supporters will finally witness Championship football at their beloved stadium. The Racecourse Ground, which has undergone significant improvements under the Hollywood ownership, will host some of the most established clubs in English football.

West Bromwich Albion represents another stern test for Phil Parkinson’s side. Having narrowly missed the play-offs in the previous Championship season, they arrived at Wrexham with expectations of challenging for promotion. This fixture will provide early insights into how Wrexham’s playing style and squad depth measure against experienced Championship campaigners.

The Hollywood Derby: Wrexham vs Birmingham City

One of the most intriguing fixtures in Wrexham’s Championship calendar is their meetings with Birmingham City. The rivalry has been dubbed the “Hollywood Derby”, as Wrexham is owned by American actor Rob McElhenney and Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds while Birmingham is partially owned by former American football quarterback Tom Brady.

This unique rivalry brings together two clubs with high-profile American ownership, creating a narrative that extends far beyond traditional football boundaries. The involvement of such globally recognized figures ensures that these fixtures receive international media attention and attract viewers who might not typically follow Championship football.

The Hollywood Derby represents more than just a football match; it symbolizes the growing influence of American investment in English football and the potential for sports entertainment to reach new audiences. When these teams meet, the global spotlight intensifies, making these fixtures among the most watched in the Championship.

Pre-Season Preparations: The Australian Adventure

After spending the last two summers in America, the club announced that their pre-season tour in 2025 will take them to Australia and New Zealand. It came as no surprise, as the club’s documentary series – Welcome to Wrexham – has a significant following from the Australian audience.

This strategic decision to tour Australia and New Zealand demonstrates the global reach that Wrexham has achieved under their Hollywood ownership. The pre-season tour serves multiple purposes: it allows the team to prepare for the Championship season while building their international brand and connecting with fans in new markets.

The Australian tour represents a significant shift from their previous American pre-season campaigns, showing the club’s commitment to expanding their global footprint. These matches provide valuable preparation time while generating revenue and exposure that helps fund their Championship ambitions.

Squad Investment and Transfer Activity

The step up to Championship football has required significant investment in playing personnel. Phil Parkinson said Wrexham have been forced to spend heavily to compete in the Championship after smashing their transfer record to sign Nathan Broadhead. Wales striker Broadhead joined from Ipswich on Thursday in a reported deal worth up to £10 million ($13.56m).

This record-breaking signing signals Wrexham’s serious intentions in the Championship. The investment in proven Championship-level talent demonstrates that the Hollywood owners understand the financial commitment required to compete effectively at this level. Broadhead became Wrexham’s ninth summer signing for a campaign which saw them playing in the second tier of English football just three seasons after being in the National League.

The scale of investment reflects the dramatic transformation in the club’s financial position. For the 2023-24 season, Wrexham posted revenue of £26.7 million, which is believed to be a record for League Two. The season prior, they brought in £10.5 million. Before Reynolds and McElhenney bought the club, its revenue in the National League was £1.15 million.

The Challenge Ahead: Championship Football

The Championship represents the most competitive league in world football outside of the Premier League. With 24 teams competing across 46 league fixtures, plus potential cup competitions, Wrexham faces a grueling campaign that will test every aspect of their organization.

Physical Demands: Championship football requires exceptional fitness levels and squad depth. The intensity of matches, combined with the frequency of fixtures, creates physical demands that dwarf those experienced in League Two. Wrexham’s medical and fitness staff face the challenge of keeping players healthy across a long, demanding season.

Technical Standards: The quality of opposition in the Championship represents a significant step up from League Two. Many Championship clubs feature players with Premier League experience, international caps, and proven quality at higher levels. Wrexham’s players must adapt quickly to faster, more technical football while maintaining the qualities that brought them success in lower divisions.

Tactical Complexity: Championship managers typically employ more sophisticated tactical systems than those commonly seen in League Two. Wrexham must evolve their playing style while retaining the identity and spirit that has driven their remarkable rise through the football pyramid.

Key Fixtures to Watch

Early Season Tests: The opening months of the Championship season will be crucial for Wrexham’s adaptation to second-tier football. Beyond Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, they face a series of fixtures against established Championship clubs that will quickly reveal their true level.

Christmas Period: The traditional Christmas fixture congestion in English football presents unique challenges for newly promoted teams. Wrexham’s squad depth will be tested during this period, when fixture lists become particularly demanding and player rotation becomes essential.

Final Third of Season: The closing months of the Championship season often determine promotion and relegation. For Wrexham, maintaining performance levels during this crucial period will be vital, whether they’re fighting for survival, consolidation, or even an unlikely promotion push.

Media Coverage and Global Interest

The unique story of Wrexham ensures that their fixtures receive unprecedented coverage for a Championship club. The “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series has created a global fanbase that follows every match with intense interest.

Television Coverage: Every game from the opening weekend of the EFL season across the Championship, League One and League Two will be shown on Sky Sports+ live, ensuring that Wrexham’s Championship debut receives comprehensive coverage. This level of media attention brings additional pressure but also opportunities for the club to showcase their progress.

International Broadcasting: The global interest in Wrexham’s story has led to increased international broadcasting of their matches. Fans in North America, Australia, and other markets can follow Wrexham’s Championship campaign through various streaming platforms and international broadcasters.

Fan Experience and Atmosphere: The promotion to the Championship brings new experiences for Wrexham supporters. Visiting fans from established Championship clubs will bring different atmospheres to the Racecourse Ground, while away trips to famous stadiums across England provide opportunities for unforgettable experiences.

Season Ticket Demand: Championship football has created unprecedented demand for Wrexham season tickets. The club has worked to accommodate long-standing supporters while managing the influx of new fans attracted by their Hollywood story and recent success.

Away Day Culture: Wrexham’s away following has grown significantly during their promotion campaigns. Championship away days offer supporters the chance to visit iconic stadiums and create new memories as they follow their team’s remarkable journey.

The Racecourse Ground: Championship Ready

The Racecourse Ground has undergone significant improvements to meet Championship standards. These enhancements ensure that visiting teams and officials experience facilities befitting second-tier football while maintaining the intimate atmosphere that has become synonymous with Wrexham’s home advantage.

Stadium Improvements: Infrastructure investments have focused on player facilities, media areas, and supporter amenities. These improvements reflect the club’s commitment to establishing themselves as a permanent Championship club rather than merely surviving their first season.

Capacity Considerations: While the Racecourse Ground’s capacity limits Wrexham’s revenue potential compared to larger Championship venues, the intimate atmosphere creates a unique advantage that can unsettle visiting teams accustomed to larger, less passionate environments.

FAQs

How tough is Wrexham’s start to the Championship season?

An Opta-powered supercomputer model forecasts a challenging season for Wrexham, with a predicted finish in 21st place (just above the relegation zone) and a 20.2% chance of relegation. Their first six opponents Southampton, West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday, Millwall, QPR, and Norwich have an average opponent rating of 81.6/100, making it one of the toughest early-season runs in the division.

Will there be content on YouTube or a video series highlighting fixtures?

While there’s no specific official video series for fixtures yet, the club’s schedule, match announcements, and highlights are regularly shared on their YouTube channel and social media. Many fans also search YouTube for “Wrexham fixtures” to find countdowns, previews, or compilations.

Are pre-season tours or friendlies scheduled?

Yes Wrexham planned an international pre-season tour in July 2025 to Australia and New Zealand, with friendlies against Melbourne Victory, Sydney, Wellington Phoenix, and later a fixture vs FC Groningen in the Netherlands.

Are any Wrexham fixtures broadcast live or on free-to-air TV?

Yes ITV has confirmed coverage of Wrexham’s Championship opener vs West Brom on 16 August at 12:30 pm BST, as part of their EFL broadcast package.

In Summary

Wrexham’s 2025–26 fixtures mark a historic step for the club as they compete in the Championship following their remarkable rise under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership. With a challenging start against strong sides like Southampton and West Brom, the Red Dragons face one of the toughest opening runs in the league. Fans can look forward to exciting domestic clashes, televised matches, and pre-season tours that bring Wrexham’s story to a global audience.

Whether you’re tracking fixtures on the official Wrexham website, following live scores on ESPN or Sky Sports, or catching highlights on YouTube, there are plenty of ways to stay updated. While predictions suggest a tough relegation battle, Wrexham’s resilience and growing fanbase worldwide ensure every fixture will carry drama, passion, and excitement.

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