Wrexham's FA Cup Glory: Did the Welsh Giants Ever Claim Football's Most Coveted Prize?
Wrexham are temporarily diverting attention from their EFL Championship ambitions and Premier League aspirations to concentrate on their FA Cup journey.
The Welsh club has witnessed an extraordinary ascent over the past five years, climbing from the National League to England's second division in a fairytale progression that won over supporters across the globe. The team's ultimate objective remains reaching the English top division to compete against clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Phil Parkinson's squad remains active in this season's FA Cup, securing their place in the fourth round following a penalty shootout triumph over Nottingham Forest. Victory against Ipswich Town on Friday would advance Wrexham to the round of 16.
But has Wales' oldest football club ever claimed the world's most historic national football tournament?
Have Wrexham Ever Won the FA Cup?
Have Wrexham Ever Won the FA Cup?
Although recognized as cup "giant slayers," Wrexham have never claimed the FA Cup trophy. The club's finest achievements in the tournament are three quarter-final runs, occurring in 1973–74, 1977–78 and 1996–97.
The Welsh side lost in all three of those encounters, however, and consequently never advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals, much less the final. In reality, they haven't progressed beyond the fourth round in 26 years.
The FA Cup continues to be an unreachable prize. Wrexham first entered the tournament in 1883–84, but have been unable to reach the summit or even come close to the trophy in the subsequent 143 years.
What's the Difference Between the FA Trophy and the FA Cup?
What's the Difference Between the FA Trophy and the FA Cup?
Viewers of Welcome to Wrexham may remember watching the Welsh club reach the FA Trophy final in 2021–22. The squad eventually fell short with co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching from the stands, losing 1–0 to Bromley.
The Red Dragons had previously captured the FA Trophy in 2012–13, but this tournament is entirely distinct from the FA Cup. The FA Trophy is exclusively for English football teams below the EFL structure, providing non-league clubs the chance to compete for trophies and perform at Wembley Stadium.
As Wrexham were competing in the National League during 2021–22, they qualified to participate in the FA Trophy, alongside teams from Steps 1–4 of the National League System.
After Wales' oldest club earned promotion to League Two and advanced within the English football hierarchy, they became ineligible for FA Trophy participation.