Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership of Wrexham FC faced a tough setback on March 6, 2026, as their Welsh Championship soccer team was knocked out of the FA Cup following a narrow defeat against Premier League side Chelsea. Amid the emotional loss, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds’ wife, was present at the stadium, providing comfort to her husband during the tense final moments.
Match Details Highlight a Hard-Fought Contest
The game between Wrexham FC and Chelsea unfolded with intense drama and close competition. Wrexham initially took the lead with an early goal from striker Sam Smith. Defender Callum Doyle later put the team ahead 2-1 near the end of regular time. However, Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong equalized late in the match, forcing the contest into extra time where Wrexham ultimately succumbed 4-2. The outcome was sealed after George Dobson received a red card, and Chelsea scored twice more with goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Joao Pedro.
Family Support Shines Amid Disappointment
Throughout the match, Reynolds and McElhenney passionately cheered on their team, sharing celebratory moments after each goal. The couple’s children, including daughters James, 10, Inez, eight, and Betty, five, along with their two-year-old son Olin, were also present. One of their children wore a Wrexham jersey, visibly supporting the team alongside their parents. The emotional final whistle saw Ryan Reynolds exchange a tender kiss with Blake Lively, who provided unwavering support in an evidently difficult moment.
Rob McElhenney Expresses Pride Despite the Result
“Proud of the team, today and every day,”
Rob McElhenney later shared on Instagram, capturing his enduring admiration for the players despite the loss.
The Journey and Stakes for Wrexham FC
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased Wrexham FC in February 2021 for £2 million, aiming to reinvigorate the club. Since taking ownership, they have overseen the team’s rise from the National League, the fifth tier of English football, into the Championship, the second division. Currently, Wrexham competes in the Championship League play-offs with hopes of advancing to the Premier League, marking a historic opportunity for the Welsh club.
Behind the Scenes: Legal Battles Add Strain on the Family
The emotional weight of the FA Cup defeat comes amid ongoing personal challenges for Reynolds and Lively. Since December 2024, Blake Lively has been embroiled in a high-profile legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director of “It Ends With Us,” alleging sexual harassment and retaliation during the film’s production. The case has intensified in visibility, involving prominent figures such as Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds himself, and although Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit was dismissed, the legal battle remains unresolved as they prepare for a trial scheduled for May.
Public and Media Attention on Wrexham and Their Owners
The efforts of Reynolds and McElhenney with Wrexham FC have attracted considerable media focus, culminating in the FX documentary series “Welcome To Wrexham,” which chronicles their leadership of the club and has won 10 Emmy awards. The series highlights the passion and commitment of the owners who have become fixtures at Wrexham matches and are instrumental in the club’s recent successes and challenges.
Looking Ahead: Future Hopes and Pressures
Although the FA Cup elimination marks a disappointing chapter for Wrexham FC, the club’s push for promotion to the Premier League remains a significant goal. For Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Rob McElhenney, the journey continues amid a backdrop of personal and professional pressures. Their resilience, combined with growing support from their family and fans, will play a crucial role in navigating the months ahead both on the field and off.
