Chelsea drawn against Wrexham in FA Cup fifth round

Marquee matchup as Hollywood-owned Wrexham host Premier League giants

Feb. 17, 2026 at 12:23pm

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Chelsea have been drawn to face Wrexham in the fifth round of the FA Cup, setting up a marquee matchup between the Premier League giants and the Hollywood-owned club from North Wales. Wrexham, now in their fifth season under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have already knocked out Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town to reach this stage.

Why it matters

This will be Chelsea's toughest test so far in the FA Cup, as they take on a Wrexham side that has been on the rise in recent years and is looking to pull off a major upset against one of England's top clubs. The match will also feature a reunion between Chelsea's Levi Colwill and former Premier League hardman James McClean, who clashed in a preseason friendly between the two sides.

The details

Chelsea will travel to North Wales to face Wrexham, who are currently eighth in the Championship and just a point outside the playoff places. Wrexham, managed by Phil Parkinson, have already beaten Nottingham Forest and Ipswich Town to reach the fifth round. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two sides since 1982, though they have faced off in preseason friendlies in 2023 and 2024.

  • The fifth round match will be played on the weekend of March 7.
  • Chelsea and Wrexham last met in competitive action in 1982.
  • Wrexham and Chelsea played preseason friendlies in 2023 and 2024.

The players

Ryan Reynolds

Hollywood actor and co-owner of Wrexham.

Rob McElhenney

Hollywood actor and co-owner of Wrexham.

Phil Parkinson

Manager of Wrexham.

Levi Colwill

Chelsea defender who clashed with James McClean in a preseason friendly.

James McClean

Former Premier League player who now plays for Wrexham.

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What they’re saying

“This will be our toughest test so far in the FA Cup, but we're looking forward to the challenge of taking on one of England's top clubs.”

— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham manager

“Wrexham have been on the rise in recent years and will certainly be looking to collect their biggest scalp yet against Chelsea.”

— David Pasztor, sbnation.com writer

What’s next

The winner of the Wrexham vs. Chelsea match will advance to the FA Cup quarter-finals, which will be drawn on Monday, March 10.

The takeaway

This fifth round FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Wrexham promises to be a marquee matchup, pitting the Premier League giants against the Hollywood-owned club from North Wales that has been on the rise in recent years. The match will also feature a reunion between Chelsea's Levi Colwill and former Premier League player James McClean, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the proceedings.