Wrexham's Epic FA Cup Shock: Penalty Heroics Stun Premier League Forest.

Wrexham's Epic FA Cup Shock: Penalty Heroics Stun Premier League Forest.

Wrexham's Historic FA Cup Giant-Killing: Stunning Penalty Shootout Triumph Over Nottingham Forest in 2025-26 Third Round.

                    In one of the most dramatic upsets of the 2025-26 Emirates FA Cup third round, Wrexham pulled off a memorable victory over Premier League side Nottingham Forest, winning 4-3 on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw following extra time. Played on January 9, 2026, at the iconic STōK Cae Ras (Racecourse Ground) in Wrexham, Wales, this match marked the first time since 1999 that Wrexham had beaten top-flight opposition in the FA Cup.

            The Welsh club, now in the Championship after three successive promotions under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, delivered another chapter in their fairy-tale story. Reynolds watched from the stands as his team twice built two-goal leads, only for Forest to fight back heroically—before Arthur Okonkwo became the shootout hero.

Here are electrifying scenes of Wrexham's celebrations after the penalty triumph:

More joyful moments as the players mob Okonkwo:

Wrexham knocks out Nottingham Forest on penalties to move into FA ...

Final Score Wrexham 3-3 Nottingham Forest (Wrexham win 4-3 on pens)

Goals

Wrexham: Liberato Cacace 37', Oliver Rathbone 40', Dominic Hyam 74'
Nottingham Forest: Igor Jesus 64', Callum Hudson-Odoi 76', 89'

The atmosphere at the sold-out STōK Cae Ras (attendance: 10,603) was electric, with passionate fans creating an unforgettable backdrop for this cup classic.


Match Recap: A Rollercoaster of Drama

Forest, sitting 17th in the Premier League and fresh off a win over West Ham, made eight changes but still fielded a strong side including Igor Jesus and Omari Hutchinson. Wrexham, chasing a Championship playoff spot on a four-game winning streak, rested injured Kieffer Moore.

Early chances saw Jesus shoot over and Douglas Luiz have a goal disallowed for handball. Wrexham grew into the game, and in the final 10 minutes of the first half, they struck twice. Cacace's 20-yard drive (with a deflection) opened the scoring in the 37th minute—his first for the club—followed by Rathbone's clinical finish three minutes later.

Sam Smith missed a golden chance to make it 3-0 before halftime. Forest boss Sean Dyche's halftime triple sub (including Neco Williams and Morgan Gibbs-White) injected life, but Wrexham held firm initially.

Jesus headed in to halve the deficit in the 64th minute, only for Hyam's diving header from a George Dobson free-kick to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1 with 16 minutes left.

Substitute Callum Hudson-Odoi then produced magic: a quick reply in the 76th minute, followed by a stunning chest-and-volley equalizer in the 89th to force extra time.



Extra time yielded no further goals, leading to penalties. Wrexham's Josh Windass, Callum Doyle, George Thomason, and Jay Rodriguez all converted. Okonkwo saved from Jesus and Hutchinson to seal the 4-3 win.



Ryan Reynolds' Reaction and Historic Significance

Reynolds was seen trading high-fives in the stands during the first-half goals. Manager Phil Parkinson called it a "special" moment, especially with the owner present. This was Wrexham's first meeting with Premier League opposition since the Hollywood takeover nearly five years ago.

The last Premier League scalp? A 1999 third-round win over Middlesbrough.

Ryan Reynolds and the Wrexham faithful in full celebration mode:

FA Cup Third Round Context (2025-26)

The third round, where Premier League teams enter, ran from January 9-12, 2026. Other early results included Preston North End 0-1 Wigan and Port Vale 1-0 Fleetwood. Wrexham's win advances them to the last 32, setting up potential glamour ties in the fourth round (draw February 14).

The FA Cup remains the world's oldest cup competition, full of magic for underdogs like Wrexham.

The packed stands at STōK Cae Ras during the big night:

STōK Cae Ras Kop Stand captivating refurbish - Coliseum

This upset adds to Wrexham's remarkable journey—from non-league to Championship contenders. With global attention from "Welcome to Wrexham," moments like this keep the dream alive.

Stay tuned for more FA Cup drama as the road to Wembley continues!