
Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup Penalty Thriller
Wrexham shocked Nottingham Forest 4-3 on penalties in the FA Cup third round on January 9, 2026, after a thrilling 3-3 draw. This victory, the club’s first against Premier League opposition in 26 years, highlights the financial and competitive ascent under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Stats Line: Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest | FA Cup Third Round | 9 January 2026 | First win over Premier League side in 26 years
Match Summary
- Final Score: Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest
- Date: 9 January 2026 | Competition: FA Cup Third Round
- Decisive Hero: Arthur Okonkwo saved two penalties in shootout (The FA)
Financial Context
- Wrexham valuation rose since Reynolds and McElhenney takeover in 2020
- Revenue boosted by “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary and merchandise sales
- Minority stake recently sold to Apollo Sports Capital (New York Post)
Rivalry
- Biggest rival historically: Chester City
- Other notable rivals: Shrewsbury Town, Tranmere Rovers
- Rivalry rooted in local derbies and geographic proximity
Salary Insights
- Manager Phil Parkinson’s salary not publicly confirmed
- Highest-paid player likely a recent signing from higher leagues
- Wage bill has risen with each promotion since 2023
What are the odds of Wrexham getting to the Premier League?
Could Wrexham ever make the Premier League?
Wrexham’s victory over Nottingham Forest, a Premier League side, demonstrates their ability to compete at a higher level. The club achieved three successive promotions from the National League to League One under Reynolds and McElhenney’s ownership, as reported by SuperSport. However, the exact odds of reaching the Premier League are unclear, as the Championship remains a financially demanding division.
| Year | Event | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchase Wrexham AFC | New York Post |
| 2023 | Wrexham promoted to League Two | SuperSport |
| 2024 | Wrexham promoted to League One | SuperSport |
| 9 Jan 2026 | Wrexham beat Nottingham Forest in FA Cup third round | The FA |
How much is Wrexham worth now?
Is Wrexham making money now?
Wrexham’s valuation has increased since the 2020 takeover by McElhenney and Reynolds, driven by global media exposure from the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary and merchandise sales. A minority stake was recently sold to Apollo Sports Capital, according to the New York Post. However, financial details remain opaque; recent accounts show operating losses despite growing commercial revenue.
How much is Phil Parkinson paid at Wrexham?
Who is the highest-paid player at Wrexham?
Exact salary figures for manager Phil Parkinson are not publicly confirmed, a common practice in lower-league football. Wrexham’s highest-paid player is likely a recent signing from higher leagues, but the club does not disclose specific names or figures. The wage bill has risen with each promotion, reflecting increased investment in the squad, as highlighted by sources covering the club’s financial trajectory.
Who is Wrexham’s biggest rival?
What is the history of the Wrexham rivalry?
Wrexham’s traditional rivals include Chester City, Shrewsbury Town, and Tranmere Rovers. The rivalry with Chester City is particularly intense due to geographic proximity and historical competition in the lower leagues. Chester City is often considered Wrexham’s biggest rival, a sentiment rooted in decades of local derbies.
Why is Rob McElhenney so rich?
How did Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds become co-owners of Wrexham?
Rob McElhenney is an actor, writer, and producer best known for creating and starring in “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.” He co-owns Wrexham AFC with actor Ryan Reynolds, who has built wealth through film roles, entrepreneurship, and investments in Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile. The duo purchased the club in 2020, bringing global attention and investment, as detailed by the New York Post.
“Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said he was pleased Ryan Reynolds witnessed a finish ‘worthy of one of the American actor’s Hollywood movies.’”
“Wrexham celebrated victory over Premier League opposition for the first time in 26 years.”
Match Report: Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest
Wrexham led 2-0 and later 3-1 before Nottingham Forest forced extra time, with Callum Hudson-Odoi scoring twice for the visitors, per ESPN. The match ended 3-3 after extra time, leading to a penalty shootout at STōK Cae Ras. Goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo saved two spot-kicks, securing a 4-3 shootout win for the hosts. The result was widely described as a major FA Cup shock by outlets like The Independent.
| Fact | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Match Result | Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest | The FA |
| Date | 9 January 2026 | ESPN |
| Competition | FA Cup Third Round | The FA |
| Penalty Shootout Winner | Wrexham (4-3) | ESPN |
| Decisive Hero | Arthur Okonkwo (2 penalty saves) | The FA |
| Wrexham’s last win over Premier League opposition | 26 years | ESPN |
Related reading: Nottm Forest vs Fenerbahçe: Results, Prediction & Live (2026)
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FAQ: Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest
What was the final score of Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest?
Wrexham 3-3 (4-3 pens) Nottingham Forest.
When was the match played?
9 January 2026, an FA Cup third-round tie.
What competition was it?
The Emirates FA Cup Third Round.
How did Wrexham win?
They won 4-3 on penalties after a 3-3 draw, with Arthur Okonkwo saving two spot-kicks.
Where was the match played?
At STōK Cae Ras, Wrexham’s home ground.