Cup competitions are built on nights like this. The lights are brighter, the crowd louder, and belief grows with every minute the underdog stays alive. At the Racecourse Ground, the atmosphere crackled with that familiar FA Cup magic as Wrexham pushed one of England’s giants, Chelsea, to the brink.
For long spells it felt as if another famous chapter might be written in the club’s modern fairytale, one fueled by passionate supporters, the presence of celebrity owners in the stands, and a team refusing to bow to superior opposition. Yet by the end of a dramatic evening filled with twists, controversy, and late heartbreak, the dream slipped agonizingly out of reach. What followed was a chaotic, emotional contest that ultimately decided who would move on to the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
From the opening whistle, the home side showed no intention of playing the role of respectful underdog. Wrexham stayed organized defensively but were ready to attack whenever an opportunity appeared. Despite early possession from Chelsea, the first major moment belonged to the host. A long ball from the back caught the visiting defense off guard, allowing Sam Smith to break free and slot a composed finish into the bottom corner. The stadium erupted as the underdog took the lead.
Even though the goal required a VAR check, the decision stood. The Racecourse Ground roared with belief, sensing that something special might be unfolding. Chelsea struggled to respond immediately, rattled by Wrexham’s energy and direct play. But eventually the Premier League side found a way back.
A swift attacking move ended with Alejandro Garnacho driving forward before a shot ricocheted off goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo for an unfortunate own goal, leveling the match before halftime. By the break, the contest stood at 1-1, setting the stage for a gripping second half.
Chaos and drama after the break
The second half transformed the match into a true cup classic. Wrexham continued to press forward and were rewarded when Callum Doyle cleverly redirected a long-range effort into the net, giving the home side the lead once again and sending the stadium into delirium.
For a moment, the upset seemed within touching distance. Yet the Blues responded almost immediately. Defensive lapses allowed Josh Acheampong to fire a powerful shot into the roof of the net, leveling the score once more and keeping the visitors alive. The match was now a frantic back-and-forth battle.
As time ticked away, tension escalated. In stoppage time, Wrexham suffered a major setback when George Dobson was sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge on Garnacho. The dismissal meant the host would have to face extra time with 10 men, drastically shifting the balance of the contest. Still, the home side refused to collapse.
Extra-time heartbreak
Despite the numerical disadvantage, the hosts defended bravely at the start of extra time, hoping to drag the match toward penalties. But eventually the pressure told. A well-worked Chelsea move ended with Alejandro Garnacho finishing from close range, a goal that briefly confused the crowd as the ball bounced out of the net before anyone realized it had crossed the line.
Chelsea finally had the lead. Even then, Phil Parkinson’s players refused to surrender. The home side pushed forward desperately and nearly found an equalizer dramatically. One moment seemed destined for FA Cup folklore when Brunt bundled the ball into the net, appearing to force the game toward penalties. However, the celebrations were cut short. The decision left the crowd furious and the home side stunned.
Chelsea then delivered the decisive blow. With Wrexham pushing forward, space opened for the visitors. Joao Pedro collected the ball outside the area and produced a superb finish into the corner, finally ending the contest.
The goal confirmed a 4-2 victory after extra time for Chelsea, sending the Premier League club into the FA Cup quarter-final. Despite the defeat, Wrexham left the field to a standing ovation from supporters and co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Full-time after extra-time!
And that’s it from the Racecourse Ground! Chelsea hold on to secure a hard-fought 4‑2 extra-time victory over a spirited Wrexham side. The Blues twice came from behind, and Joao Pedro’s late strike sealed the win, sending them through to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Thanks for following our live coverage. Stay with us for more FA Cup action, analysis, and reaction from this unforgettable tie!
120' – GOOOOOAL AND THAT DOES IT FOR CHELSEA (2-4)
Joao Pedro put the game beyond doubt with a superb late finish for Chelsea. The Brazilian forward, arguably the Blues' standout performer throughout the match, picked up the ball just outside the box before producing a moment of real quality, cleverly reversing a right-footed shot into the corner of the net. It was a classy strike that effectively sealed the result and ended the contest, leaving the opposition with no way back.
120' – More yellows for both sides (2-3)
Tempers began to flare late in the game as Alejandro Garnacho was shown a yellow card for Chelsea. The challenge itself did not appear particularly severe, but it seemed the winger may have talked himself into the referee’s notebook, with Peter Bankes deciding to caution him. Moments later, Kieffer Moore of Wrexham was also booked, this time for bad language.
116' – WREXHAM SCORES BUT VAR SAYS OFFSIDE (2-3)
A dramatic moment unfolded as Wrexham's Kieffer Moore rose highest from a corner, directing a powerful header back across the six-yard box where Lewis Brunt reacted quickest to glance the ball into the net and seemingly make it 3-3 for the home side. The celebrations, however, were cut short almost immediately as VAR review showed that Brunt’s foot was marginally ahead of Tosin Adarabioyo in the build-up. So much drama!
112' – Two final substitutions for Wrexham (2-3)
At half-time, Phil Parkinson opted to make two more changes for Wrexham, bringing on Lewis Brunt in place of Callum Doyle. The Wrexham manager also introduced fresh legs by sending Davis Keillor-Dunn onto the pitch to replace Max Cleworth as he looked to shift the momentum after the break.
106' – The extra-time second period begins (2-3)
The referee, Peter Bankes, blows his whistle to signal the start of the second period of extra time.
101' – First yellow card for Wrexham (2-3)
George Thomason is booked following a rough tackle, earning a yellow card as the referee takes action to keep control of the game. Wrexham now have to be careful, already down to 10 men, as Chelsea continue to press in extra time.
100' – Chelsea makes final substitution (2-3)
Chelsea makes its final change as Jesse Derry replaces Pedro Neto, adding energy and creativity to the attack as the visitors look to see out their lead in extra time against Wrexham.
96' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL AS CHELSEA TAKES THE LEAD (2-3)
Alejandro Garnacho fires Chelsea ahead, finding the back of the net with a clinical finish to get on the scoresheet. The winger’s strike gives the Blues a crucial advantage in extra time, and Wrexham now faces a tough task as it tries to respond with limited time remaining.
91' – Extra time begins (2-2)
The first period of extra time is underway as Wrexham and Chelsea return to the pitch. Both sides still have everything to play for, with the tie level after 90 minutes and the next 30 minutes set to decide who will take a step closer to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
91' – Wrexham makes another substitution (2-2)
Wrexham makes a substitution early in extra time, with Ryan Barnett replacing Ryan Longman. The Red Dragons are looking to inject fresh energy as they push for a decisive goal against Chelsea.
Full-time!
The referee blows his whistle to signal the end of the second half, and the score remains level after 90 minutes. Both Wrexham and Chelsea had their chances, but neither side could find a decisive goal in regulation time, meaning this FA Cup tie will now head into extra time to determine who progresses to the quarter-finals.
93' – RED CARD for Wrexham! (2-2)
George Dobson is sent off following a VAR review after a dangerous sliding tackle on Alejandro Garnacho. The midfielder raised his studs and made contact with Garnacho’s shin at pace, leaving the referee with little choice. Wrexham is now down to 10 men, making its task even tougher against Chelsea.
91' – Six minutes of added time (2-2)
There will be six minutes of stoppage time.
90' – What would happen if the final score is tied?
If the Wrexham vs Chelsea FA Cup tie finishes 2-2 after 90 minutes, the match will go to extra time. In the FA Cup from the fifth round onward, games cannot end in a draw on the day.
If the score remains level after two 15-minute periods of extra time, the winner will then be decided by a penalty shootout.
So the sequence would be: 90 minutes → Extra time (30 minutes) → Penalties if still level.
85' – Another double substitution for Chelsea (2-2)
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior shakes things up with two more changes. João Pedro replaces Liam Delap up front, while Malo Gusto comes on for Josh Acheampong, giving the Blues fresh legs as they look to maintain their advantage in the FA Cup tie.
82' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL AS CHELSEA EQUALIZES AGAIN (2-2)
Josh Acheampong receives a perfectly timed pass inside the box and fires a stunning shot into the top-right corner, giving Chelsea the lead. What a clinical and delightful finish to put the Blues ahead in this FA Cup tie!
79' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAL FOR WREXHAM (2-1)
Wrexham has regained the lead! Callum Doyle inadvertently deflects a teammate’s shot into his own net, handing Chelsea an unexpected gift. The ball sneaks past Arthur Okonkwo, and Wrexham are forced to chase the game once again after this unlucky moment.
76' – Young Chelsea star marks major milestone (1-1)
Dario Essugo makes his domestic debut for Chelsea, coming on 352 days after first joining the club. The midfielder finally gets his opportunity in the FA Cup clash, marking a significant moment in his first season with the Blues.
64' – Double substitution for Chelsea (1-1)
Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior makes a double substitution, looking to freshen things up in the second half. Romeo Lavia makes way for Dário Essugo in midfield, while Jorrel Hato is replaced by Marc Cucurella as the Blues adjust their shape and inject fresh energy into the side.
62' – Wrexham makes strong penalty appeal for handball, but VAR says no! (1-1)
Wrexham players launch strong appeals for a handball penalty following a corner, claiming the ball struck Marc Guiu inside the box. However, VAR reviews the incident and decides there is no penalty, allowing play to continue.
58' – First substitution for Chelsea (1-1)
Chelsea will go to a back four after Rosenior made his first substitution of the match, substituting Marc Guiu for Mamadou Sarr.
Wrexham's Parkinson has not yet made his first substitute.
55' – Chelsea scored a goal with 0 shots on target (1-1)
Chelsea had zero shots on goal in the first half of their match against Wrexham. Yet, the score is 1-1!
49' – Wrexham chases the lead again (1-1)
Wrexham’s Max Cleworth heads a cross towards the goal after meeting it inside the area. However, he puts the ball just beyond the crossbar. What an opportunity!
Second half underway!
Referee Peter Bankes blows the whistle, and the second half between Wrexham and Chelsea is underway.
Halftime (1-1)
Wrexham stunned Chelsea early with Sam Smith’s 18th-minute opener, but the lead was quickly canceled out by an own goal from Arthur Okonkwo. The half was competitive, with Chelsea’s Romeo Lavia booked and both sides creating chances, ending 1‑1 at the break.
40' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR CHELSEA (1-1)
Wrexham's Arthur Okonkwo deflects the ball into his own net, resulting in a heartbreaking own goal!
32' – Wrexham poses serious threat to Chelsea's defence (1-0)
Wrexham poses a danger once more! There wasn't much on for Longman when he carried the ball into the box from the right, but a cross or shot bounced off Badiashille's boot and almost reached the roof of the net. Sanchez made a fast adjustment to tip over the bar, giving the Chelsea goalkeeper some credit.
67' – Double substitution for Wrexham (1-1)
Wrexham also makes two changes midway through the second half as Josh Windass replaces Oliver Rathbone, adding fresh energy in attack. Moments later, Kieffer Moore comes on for goalscorer Sam Smith, as the host reshuffles its frontline for the final stages of the match.
23' – First yellow card of the game, and it's for Chelsea (1-0)
Chelsea's Romeo Lavia gets the first yellow card of the game after committing a foul (shirt pull).
18' – GOOOOOAAAAAAAL FOR WREXHAM (1-0)
Wrexham's Sam Smith races into the penalty area, meets a stunning cross, and smashes the ball into the back of the net.
The Championship side bursts out of the blocks as Smith finds the back of the net within the opening minutes, sending the home crowd at the Racecourse Ground into a frenzy. Chelsea is caught cold, and the Red Dragons already look dangerous, showing they’re not here just to make up the numbers in this FA Cup tie!
10' Ball possession belongs to Chelsea (0-0)
22:78 is the current ball possession percentage for both sides.
The game has started!
Referee Peter Bankes blows his whistle, and the game is underway!
What is Wrexham vs. Chelsea's H2H record?
Here’s the head‑to‑head record between Wrexham and Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup fifth‑round match:
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Total competitive meetings: 9
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Chelsea wins: 4
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Draws: 3
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Wrexham wins: 2
Their last competitive encounter was in 1982, and it ended in a 1‑0 Wrexham victory in the old Second Division. It is the most recent win in their historic rivalry. In all competitions, Chelsea has the edge overall, but Wrexham holds memorable results on home soil from that era as well.
Which are the other FA Cup ties played on Saturday?
Aside from Wrexham vs. Chelsea, two other FA Cup fifth-round ties are being played on Saturday (March 7, 2026):
FA Cup matches on Saturday
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Mansfield Town vs. Arsenal (1-2)
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Wrexham vs. Chelsea
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Newcastle United vs. Manchester City
The action began earlier in the day with Mansfield Town losing 1-2 at home to Arsenal, followed by Wrexham vs. Chelsea at the Racecourse Ground, and the evening game sees Newcastle United face Manchester City at St. James’ Park for a place in the quarter-finals.
Who's the referee for Wrexham vs. Chelsea?
The referee for the FA Cup fifth-round match between Wrexham and Chelsea is Peter Bankes.
Match Officials
- Referee: Peter Bankes
- Assistant Referees: Edward Smart, Blake Antrobus
- Fourth Official: Adam Herczeg
- VAR: Paul Howard
- AVAR: Sian Massey-Ellis
Bankes is an experienced Premier League referee who has been part of England’s top officiating group for several years and regularly handles high-profile matches across the Premier League and domestic cups.
Nine changes for Chelsea's FA Cup action
- Robert Sánchez is back in goal after being dropped against Villa.
- Roméo Lavia starts for the first time since returning from injury.
- Liam Delap, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Andrey Santos are in the starting XI.
- Pedro Neto returns to the starting XI after serving his suspension.
- Alejandro Garnacho starts after an impressive performance against Aston Villa.
Wrexham’s starting lineup confirmed!
Head coach Phil Parkinson confirmed the 11 players who'll start the game against Chelsea:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
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GK: Arthur Okonkwo
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DEF: Max Cleworth, Dominic Hyam, Callum Doyle
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MID: Issa Kaboré, George Dobson, Lewis O’Brien, George Thomason
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ATT: Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead
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ST: Sam Smith
Chelsea’s starting lineup confirmed!
Head coach Liam Rosenior confirmed the 11 players who'll start the game against Wrexham:
Formation: 3-4-3
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GK: Robert Sánchez
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DEF: Mamadou Sarr, Benoît Badiashile, Tosin Adarabioyo
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MID: Jorrel Hato, Andrey Santos, Roméo Lavia, Josh Acheampong
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ATT: Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Pedro Neto
Where is Wrexham vs. Chelsea being played?
The FA Cup fifth-round clash between Wrexham and Chelsea will take place at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales, the historic home stadium of Wrexham. Known locally as SToK Cae Ras, the venue is one of the oldest international soccer stadiums still in use and has been Wrexham’s home since 1864.
The stadium is expected to provide a fierce atmosphere for this cup tie, with the home supporters hoping to inspire their team to another positively surprising performance against the Premier League giant. For Chelsea, the trip to North Wales represents a tricky away test in a compact and passionate soccer setting.
Kickoff time and how to watch
Wrexham and Chelsea's game will begin at 12:45 PM (ET).
You can watch the FA Cup match live on ESPN+.
Wrexham host Chelsea in the FA Cup
Welcome to our live coverage of the highly anticipated FA Cup fifth-round clash between EFL Championship outfit Wrexham and Premier League giant Chelsea. Stay with us for the most important information about both teams, and once the game kicks off, for minute-by-minute updates!
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