Wrexham AFC fans have reason to celebrate as the Red Dragons booked their spot in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in nearly three decades, following a tense 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town at the STōK Cae Ras on Friday, February 13, 2026. The historic win, sealed by a first-half strike from Josh Windass, has set off a wave of excitement in North Wales as supporters dream of a potential glamour tie in the next round.
The atmosphere in Wrexham was electric as the home side, managed by Phil Parkinson, took on fellow Championship promotion contenders Ipswich Town. Both teams entered the match with high hopes, but it was Wrexham who found the breakthrough. On 34 minutes, Windass, one of five changes to Parkinson's lineup, guided in a precise cross from Ryan Longman to notch his ninth goal of the season. The goal proved decisive, as Wrexham’s defense dug deep to withstand late pressure from Ipswich and secure their passage to the next stage of the world’s oldest national soccer competition.
This victory holds special significance for Wrexham. The club last reached the FA Cup fifth round in the 1996-97 season, when they famously made it all the way to the quarterfinals before bowing out to Chesterfield. This year’s run has already seen the Red Dragons dispatch Nottingham Forest in the third round, and now, with Ipswich out of the way, the possibility of facing one of the Premier League’s giants looms large.
"Job done, into the Fifth Round we go," Wrexham AFC declared on their official social media, capturing the mood of a club and community that has endured its fair share of ups and downs over the years. The win is also a testament to the progress made under the stewardship of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whose investment and enthusiasm have helped reinvigorate the club’s fortunes.
For Ipswich Town, the night was one of frustration. Manager Kieran McKenna, who made ten changes to his side from their previous Championship outing against Derby County, lamented his team’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities. “We started both halves well but we weren’t able to get the goal,” McKenna told BBC Wales. “Second half we tried everything ... but we just couldn’t get back into the game.” Ipswich, who did not register a single shot on target, will now turn their attention back to the league, where they sit in third place—just seven points ahead of sixth-placed Wrexham. The two teams are set to meet again in the Championship within the next eight days, adding another layer of intrigue to an already compelling rivalry.
Injuries played a part in Parkinson’s selection, with Matty James and Liberato Cacace both sidelined and facing spells out of action. Despite this, Wrexham showed resilience and depth, with Windass stepping up to make a decisive impact. The hosts’ defensive resolve was particularly impressive in the second half, as Ipswich pressed forward in search of an equalizer but found no way past a determined backline.
Elsewhere in the FA Cup, Chelsea cruised into the fifth round with a commanding 4-0 victory over Hull City. The Premier League side, who have a storied history in the competition, were led by a stunning hat trick from Pedro Neto, who even found the net directly from a corner kick—a rare feat at any level of the game. Young Brazilian Estêvão added the third goal with a composed finish, while Liam Delap contributed three assists in a sparkling attacking display. “Pedro Neto is an incredible player,” Delap told TNT Sports. “He is playing in a position he is not even used to but he showed his quality.”
Hull City, who have now faced Chelsea eight times in the FA Cup without ever progressing, were unable to stem the tide as the visitors seized control early and never looked back. The result means that both Wrexham and Chelsea will have to wait until Monday, February 16, to discover their next opponents, with the fifth-round draw scheduled for 1:35 p.m. ET (6:35 p.m. GMT). Fans can watch the draw live on the TNT Sports YouTube channel or ESPN+ in the United States, as anticipation builds for the next round of matchups.
For Wrexham, the prospect of a high-profile tie is tantalizing. While the club has yet to enjoy a true glamour fixture in the Reynolds-McElhenney era, the fifth round could deliver a showdown with one of English football’s elite. With Manchester United already eliminated in the third round, the door is open for a memorable encounter that could further elevate Wrexham’s profile on the national stage.
The journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Wrexham’s cup run has required grit and determination, as evidenced by their hard-fought wins over Nottingham Forest and Ipswich. The team’s blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents has provided a solid foundation, while the passionate support from the stands has made the STōK Cae Ras a fortress once again.
Broadcast and streaming options for the match reflected the growing interest in Wrexham’s story. The FA Cup clash with Ipswich was available live on ESPN Unlimited, with free trials offered through both Fubo and DIRECTV. Betting odds ahead of kickoff had Ipswich as slight favorites (+110), with Wrexham and the draw both listed at +245, underscoring the competitive nature of the fixture.
Looking ahead, Wrexham’s focus will be split between their ongoing push for promotion to the Premier League—a feat that would mark their fourth consecutive promotion and a first-ever top-flight appearance in their 158-year history—and the excitement of the FA Cup. With the fifth-round draw just days away, the Red Dragons and their fans can dare to dream of another magical chapter in this remarkable season.
As the dust settles on a memorable night in North Wales, one thing is clear: Wrexham’s FA Cup adventure is far from over. With momentum on their side and the possibility of a blockbuster tie on the horizon, the Red Dragons are poised to capture the imagination of football fans across the country. Whatever happens next, the club’s return to the FA Cup spotlight has already provided memories to last a lifetime.