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Wrexham vs Nottingham Forest FA Cup Penalty Thriller

Freddie James Bennett Thompson • 2026-08-11 • Reviewed by Oliver Bennett

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.

The implication: Wrexham’s FA Cup win signals competitive potential, but the financial gap between League One and the Premier League remains wide.
Timeline: Wrexham’s Rise Under Hollywood Ownership
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.

The pattern: Revenue grows with brand recognition, but profitability is not yet confirmed, as clubs in lower divisions often reinvest heavily in squad and infrastructure.

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.

What this means: Without public salary data, comparisons to other clubs are speculative, but the trend of rising wages aligns with Wrexham’s competitive ambitions.

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.

The catch: Rivalries shift as Wrexham climbs divisions, potentially reducing the frequency of matches against traditional foes like Chester City.

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.’”

— SuperSport

“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.

Match Key Facts
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
Confirmed: Wrexham advanced to the FA Cup fourth round after the win (Washington Post).

Related reading: Nottm Forest vs Fenerbahçe: Results, Prediction & Live (2026)

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.



Freddie James Bennett Thompson

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Freddie James Bennett Thompson

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.