Wrexham's FA Cup Run Ends in Thriller Against Chelsea

Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watch as Wrexham pushes Premier League giants to extra time

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Wrexham's impressive FA Cup campaign came to an end against Chelsea, but not before the National League club pushed the reigning Club World Cup champions to extra time in a thrilling 4-2 defeat. Despite leading twice, Wrexham saw a red card and a disallowed goal by VAR prove pivotal as Chelsea rallied to advance to the quarterfinals.

Why it matters

Wrexham's run to the fifth round of the FA Cup represented the club's deepest cup run in 29 years, showcasing the progress made since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the team. The match against Chelsea, one of the world's top clubs, highlighted Wrexham's ability to compete at the highest levels of English football.

The details

Wrexham led twice against Chelsea, but the Premier League side fought back to level at 2-2 before a red card to George Dobson in the 90th minute proved pivotal. In extra time, Chelsea took advantage of the numerical superiority to go ahead 3-2, and after a Wrexham equalizer was chalked off by VAR, the Blues sealed the tie at 4-2.

  • On March 4, 2023, Wrexham drew 2-2 with Maidenhead United in the National League.
  • On Tuesday, March 7, 2026, Wrexham faced Chelsea in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

The players

Ryan Reynolds

Hollywood actor and co-owner of Wrexham AFC.

Rob McElhenney

Hollywood actor and co-owner of Wrexham AFC.

George Dobson

Wrexham midfielder who was sent off in the 90th minute.

Phil Parkinson

Manager of Wrexham AFC.

Peter Bankes

Referee who showed the red card to George Dobson and oversaw the VAR decisions.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Three years ago this week, we battled Maidenhead United to a draw. Today we pushed Chelsea to extra time. So incredibly proud of Wrexham's performance today.”

— Ryan Reynolds (Twitter)

“In the second half I think we were the better team and I was confident we were going to win. The referee gave a yellow. I'm not sure of the rules, it's the first time we've had VAR and it has to be clear and obvious to overturn it. I think the referee could have just kept it at a yellow.”

— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham Manager (Post-match press conference)

“I said at the break in extra time there are still going to be chances for us. Unfortunately we didn't take one but we have to take a lot of heart from that performance. It's been a great cup run. Tonight was a great spectacle and we were competitive against a very good side. We will take a lot of positives from it.”

— Phil Parkinson, Wrexham Manager (Post-match press conference)

What’s next

Wrexham will now focus on their push for promotion in the EFL Championship, with a crucial home match against Hull City on March 10 up next.

The takeaway

Wrexham's heroic FA Cup run against Chelsea, one of the world's top clubs, demonstrated the remarkable progress the club has made since being acquired by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Despite the defeat, Wrexham's performance has earned widespread praise and will serve as a springboard for their promotion push in the EFL Championship.