More than 40,000 spectators packed Allianz Stadium this week as Wrexham AFC took on Sydney FC during the club's 2025 Tour Down Under.

Sydney FC triumphed over Wrexham AFC 2-1, in front of a record crowd for a football match at the stadium.

The team's visit put Sydney on show to a worldwide audience, not just as a world-class sporting city, but as a vibrant global destination.

Off the field, Wrexham AFC team members explored Sydney's beaches and its icons - from the Sydney Opera House to Taronga Zoo - sharing their Harbour City experience with millions of international fans.

Team manager Phil Parkinson said: “We’ve loved Sydney, it’s an amazing city, what a welcome we’ve had.

“With the sunshine, we gave the lads a bit of free time. The lads have been at the beach, walked around and got a great feel for the city."

Parkinson said it had been slightly surreal for the team to be on a tour of Australia and New Zealand following its rapid rise in the English football league system.

“It's just been great to be a part it because it's not just the football team, it's the whole area that has had a uplift in Wrexham and obviously the attention we've had in around the world as well," he said.

“Obviously, America and Canada, last year for tour, now Australia and New Zealand, you know, it's quite extraordinary really from, from where we've come from. I would say to the lads and staff to really enjoy this as it is a unique experience to be a part of this story.”

Wrexham AFC was founded in 1864, making it Wales' oldest professional Football Club and the third oldest in the world.

In 2021, actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds became the new owners of the football club. At the time, the team was playing in the fifth tier of the English football league.

The team has since captured global attention with its rise through the English football leagues - an inspiring journey made famous by the award-winning docuseries Welcome to Wrexham.

The documentary is currently ranked at number two in Australia on Disney+ for reality shows.

In 2023, the team was promoted back to the EFL Championship, the second tier of the English football league.

Wrexham AFC now has its sights set on joining the Premier League, the top professional football league in England.

While in Sydney, the also met with hundreds of fans, signing autographs and posing for photographs.

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.

"This tour showcases Sydney as a world-class sporting destination and will deliver a significant boost to our visitor economy.”

Images courtesy TEG and Wrexham AFC.