Ryan Reynolds and co-owner Rob Mac received thrilling news when their Welsh club Wrexham was drawn to face Premier League heavyweight Chelsea in the FA Cup round-of-16 stage, set to take place next month at the Racecourse Ground. This will mark the first time the two sides meet in a competitive fixture, following previous pre-season encounters during Chelsea’s tours in the United States.
Since Reynolds and Mac acquired Wrexham in 2021, the club has achieved a remarkable rise, securing consecutive promotions to reach the English Football League Championship, making this high-profile clash a historic moment for both the club and their fans.
Reynolds and Jackman React to the Exciting Draw
Ryan Reynolds documented his reaction to the draw alongside Hugh Jackman, his Deadpool co-star, capturing the moment of disbelief and excitement. Watching the live draw on an iPad, the two actors celebrated as Chelsea was announced to play at home against Wrexham.
“Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aC8EnLCZEl” — Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham Co-owner
Reynolds was visibly stunned, repeating the announcement while seeking confirmation. Jackman encouraged him, reminding him of their wish for a high-caliber opponent. After the news settled, they exchanged a high-five, sharing a genuine sense of thrill about the upcoming fixture.
Reynolds expressed both shock and excitement, exclaiming, “Yes, f***!” and “what the f***” as the reality of hosting Chelsea sank in. He closed with, “Chelsea at the Racecourse,” echoing the significance of the encounter for Wrexham supporters.
Wrexham’s FA Cup Journey and Recent Performances
Wrexham’s path to the round of 16 has been marked by impressive wins over higher-ranked opponents. They advanced by beating Nottingham Forest on penalties in the third round, followed by a victory against Championship side Ipswich Town. These results have raised hopes among fans that the club can compete against more established teams.
The team, managed by Phil Parkinson, faces a challenging test against Chelsea, who recently defeated Hull City 4-0 to secure their own place in the next round. Chelsea’s victory came despite missing several key players, such as Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Previous Encounters Between Wrexham and Chelsea
Wrexham and Chelsea have crossed paths twice during their pre-season tours in 2023 and 2024. These matches, held in the United States, provided brief encounters but were not competitive fixtures. Chelsea secured a commanding 5-0 win in the 2023 meeting under then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, with goals from departing players including Christopher Nkunku, Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, and Ben Chilwell.
In a more recent pre-season game, the sides played to a 2-2 draw, featuring goals from Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu for Chelsea, signalling a closer competition than their previous meeting.
Meanwhile, Wrexham notched a significant 5-1 home victory against Charlton in January, a statement win under the management of Liam Rosenior, who succeeded Enzo Maresca at Charlton earlier this year.
Implications and Anticipation for the Upcoming Match
The FA Cup fixture presents a landmark opportunity for Wrexham to demonstrate their growth and competitiveness following the transformative takeover by Reynolds and Mac. Hosting a Premier League club like Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground signals a new chapter in Wrexham’s history, further fueling support and engagement from the local and global fanbase.
For Chelsea, the match offers a chance to continue their domestic cup run with a favored status, though they must be wary of a motivated lower-league team riding a wave of recent successes. The clash is expected to draw significant attention, both for its footballing stakes and the high-profile ownership of Wrexham, adding a layer of celebrity intrigue to the sporting occasion.
As the fixture approaches, both clubs will prepare intensely, aware that the FA Cup often produces unpredictable and thrilling moments, and this match could bolster Wrexham’s credibility on the national stage.
Chelsea at the Racecourse! Holy crap 🔴⚔️🔵 pic.twitter.com/aC8EnLCZEl
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 16, 2026
