Friday night at the Racecourse Ground promises to be electric as Wrexham hosts Premier League side Nottingham Forest in the third round of the 2025-26 FA Cup. This clash, set for January 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. ET (11:30 a.m. PT), marks one of the most high-profile fixtures in Wrexham’s modern history. For the first time since their Hollywood ownership era began, and the first time since 1992, Wrexham will square off against top-flight opposition in an official competition. The stakes are sky-high, the storylines irresistible, and the atmosphere in Wrexham is already buzzing with anticipation.
The English football calendar has pressed pause on league action to accommodate the FA Cup’s third round, and all eyes are on this potential giant-killing tie. Wrexham, co-owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are enjoying a remarkable season after achieving promotion to the EFL Championship for the first time in their history. Through 26 matches, Phil Parkinson’s side sits ninth in the table with 40 points, just a point off the playoff spots, and currently rides a four-game winning streak. Their recent victories include a hard-fought 2-1 win at Derby County on January 4 and a 2-1 triumph over Preston North End on December 30.
On the other side of the pitch, Nottingham Forest arrives from the Premier League, currently occupying 17th place with 21 points from 21 matches. Sean Dyche’s squad recently put an end to a four-game losing skid with a crucial 2-1 away win against West Ham United on January 6, a result that eased some of the relegation pressure and lifted them seven points clear of the drop zone. Morgan Gibbs-White coolly converted a late penalty to seal that victory, a moment Forest hopes will serve as a turning point in their season.
Both clubs face this fixture with contrasting ambitions. For Wrexham, the FA Cup represents a chance to make a national statement and deliver a memorable night for their fans, who have witnessed the club’s rapid rise through the English football pyramid. Despite their recent league form, Parkinson’s men have yet to enjoy a deep cup run since the high-profile ownership takeover. Their best FA Cup performances in recent years have seen them reach the fourth round, but never beyond. Could this be the season they break new ground?
For Forest, the pressure is palpable. While a win over lower-league opposition is expected, anything less would heap further scrutiny on Dyche and his squad. Forest’s primary objective remains Premier League survival, but a positive FA Cup run could inject much-needed confidence into a team that has struggled for consistency. With no league fixture for eight days after this match, Dyche faces a dilemma: rotate his squad to protect key players, or field a strong lineup in pursuit of momentum?
Team news adds another layer of intrigue. Wrexham will be without several important players due to injury. Goalkeeper Danny Ward (elbow), midfielder Elliott Lee (knee), and forwards Kieffer Moore (hamstring) and Ryan Hardie (knee) are all sidelined, with Moore’s absence particularly significant as he is the club’s top scorer. Sam Smith, who has found the net in each of Wrexham’s last two matches, will likely shoulder the attacking burden. Expect to see Okonkwo in goal, with Cleworth, Hyam, and Doyle in defense; James and Sheaf anchoring the midfield; and a forward line featuring Longman, Windass, Broadhead, Thomason, and Smith.
Nottingham Forest also contends with injury headaches. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dan Ndoye are both doubtful, while John Victor (leg), Ryan Yates (hamstring), and Chris Wood (knee) are confirmed absentees. Sels is expected to start in goal, with a defensive line of Savona, Milenkovic, Morato, and Williams. Anderson and Luiz will marshal the midfield, and the attacking quartet should feature McAtee, Gibbs-White, Bakwa, and Jesus.
The match will be officiated by referee Paul Tierney, with VAR not in operation for this tie. The Racecourse Ground is set to be packed to the rafters, with a raucous home crowd eager to witness a famous cup night. The sense of occasion is heightened by the broader context: Wrexham’s journey from the National League to the Championship has captured imaginations far beyond Wales, and now they stand just one win away from a potential FA Cup fourth-round berth. If they manage to upset Forest, they’ll advance to the next round, scheduled to begin on February 13. Should the match end in a draw after 90 minutes, the tie will proceed to two 15-minute periods of extra time, followed by a penalty shootout if necessary; there will be no replay.
For viewers around the globe, this is a can’t-miss fixture. In the United States, the match will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Plus. Canadian fans can tune in via Sportsnet, while UK viewers have options including TNT Sports 1 and discovery+. Australian supporters can catch the action on Stan Sport. With such broad coverage, the magic of the FA Cup—and the allure of this particular David versus Goliath battle—will be on full display for a worldwide audience.
Beyond the immediate drama, this match is a fascinating study in footballing priorities and pressures. Wrexham, with nothing to lose and everything to gain, can play with freedom and ambition. For Forest, the risks are greater: defeat would be a bitter blow, while victory is merely expected. Both managers, Parkinson and Dyche, must balance their squads’ workloads, manage injuries, and weigh the long-term goals of their respective campaigns. As one commentator put it, “Wrexham have nothing to lose. Despite their recent run, the onus is on the team a division above them. Forest’s recent form isn’t great, and there’s pressure on Sean Dyche.”
It’s been a long time since Wrexham hosted a Premier League side in a competitive match, and the sense of occasion won’t be lost on anyone in attendance. The club’s Hollywood owners have brought unprecedented attention and resources, but the magic of the FA Cup is about what happens on the pitch. With both clubs eager to write their next chapter, all that’s left is to let the football do the talking.
As kick-off approaches, anticipation reaches fever pitch. Will Wrexham’s momentum and home advantage carry them to a historic upset, or will Forest’s top-flight pedigree prevail? The answer will unfold under the Friday night lights at the Racecourse Ground, with the world watching and the FA Cup’s magic alive and well.
