Wrexham AFC has announced this year’s pre-season tour will take the men’s first team to Australia and New Zealand in July, with matches confirmed in Australia versus Melbourne Victory on 11 July (Marvel Stadium), Sydney FC on 15 July (Allianz Stadium), and Wellington Phoenix in New Zealand on 19 July (Sky Stadium).
The Wrexham Down Under Tour this summer follows the Club’s promotion to the Championship in the English Football League marking a record-breaking three promotions in a row for manager Phil Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham have shot to prominence globally since Hollywood stars and entrepreneurs Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds purchased the club in 2021. The club has been featured in the immensely popular Emmy award-winning Welcome to Wrexham docuseries with Australia ranking as the third-largest audience in the world for the series. Founded in 1864, Wrexham are the oldest professional football club in Wales, and the third oldest in the world.
Promoted by TEG Sport, the Wrexham Down Under Tour follows on from two highly successful pre-season tours to the United States, the first in 2023 which included a clash against Manchester United followed by the Wrex Coast Tour in 2024 with the headline fixture against another Premier League side in Chelsea.
Wrexham AFC’s tour of Australia and New Zealand will see the club take on a high calibre of competition from the A-League, offering a true test against some of the region’s most accomplished sides. With the A-League continuing to grow in stature and talent, these matches promise to deliver a compelling showcase of football, blending Wrexham’s global story with the skill and intensity of the elite clubs. Fans can expect fast-paced, competitive fixtures that highlight the quality and passion of both leagues
Several of Wrexham AFC’s key partners - including Aviation American Gin, Gatorade, Meta Quest, United, Visit Wales and Wrexham Lager - will join the club on tour, helping bring the unmistakable spirit of Wrexham to fans across Australia and New Zealand.
Wrexham AFC Co-Chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds said: “From the very beginning, we wanted to help make Wrexham a globally recognised team, town and brand.
"We could not be more excited to bring the Red Dragons to Australia and New Zealand, and we are particularly proud that this announcement features neither a Men at Work or Hugh Jackman joke. The latter of which took maturity and tremendous restraint. We’re proud of Ryan. Of course, we make no promises going forward.”
TEG Sport Managing Director Rachael Carroll said: "Bringing Wrexham AFC to Australia and New Zealand for three exciting matches against top A-League sides is truly a one-of-a-kind event.
"This tour is more than just football — it's a celebration of global sporting culture, entertainment, and fan connection. Whether you're a die-hard football supporter or just love a great story, these matches promise unforgettable moments and fun for everyone."
Sydney FC CEO Mark Aubrey said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Wrexham AFC to Sydney. Their incredible story and continued rise has captured the imagination of fans in Australia and around the world, and we are proud to be hosting this global sensation.
“Facing a team with such momentum, driven by the passion of Rob and Ryan, is a fantastic opportunity for our club and an amazing chance for our Members, and the wider football community, to witness Wrexham and their award-winning docu series first-hand.
“I’m looking forward to seeing Sydney FC and Hollywood glamour mixing in our iconic city at the magnificent Allianz Stadium.”
Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said: “Wrexham AFC's decision to bring their pre-season tour to Sydney is a massive win for NSW.
"The global phenomenon that is Wrexham, driven by the passion of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, will draw huge crowds to Allianz Stadium.
"This tour showcases Sydney as a world-class sporting destination and will deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy. We’re ready to welcome the Red Dragons and their fans with open arms.”
Sydney match information
Sydney FC v Wrexham AFC: Tuesday 15 July, Allianz Stadium
Tickets go on general sale via Ticketek in Australia and New Zealand on Friday 16 May at 9AM AEST. Tickets start at $39 for children and $59 for adults.
Main photograph: Gemma Thomas
