Wrexham A.F.C. will open its summer preseason on July 13, 2026, against Wisła Kraków in a match celebrating the Polish club’s 120th anniversary and reviving the Red Dragons’ famed 1975‑76 European Cup Winners’ Cup adventure. The fixture marks Wrexham’s first competitive outing of the season while the club sits seventh in the Championship with 71 points after 46 games, recent form DLWWL.

Why does the Poland friendly matter for Wrexham A.F.C.?

The game is more than a celebration; it’s a reminder of how a Third Division side once shocked Europe. In 1975‑76 Wrexham knocked Swedish giants Djurgården out, then beat Stal Rzeszów at the Racecourse Ground to reach the quarter‑finals. That run helped shape the club’s identity, proving that under‑dog spirit can thrive on the continental stage. Today, with 69 goals scored and 65 conceded this season (+4 GD), the club hopes the historic echo will inspire a strong start to a campaign that still trails leaders Coventry by 24 points.

What historic moments will be recalled?

Fans will hear Mickey Thomas recall John Neal’s influence, noting how the manager “brought through all those youth players” and built a resilient dressing room. The memory of Graham Whittle’s goal in Stockholm, which secured a 1‑1 draw and a second‑round berth, will also feature. Those achievements were remarkable for a club that qualified for Europe via the Welsh Cup loophole, often catching opponents off‑guard.

How will the match unfold?

Both clubs share community‑driven stories: Wisła’s supporters rescued the team in the 1990s, while Wrexham’s Penley Hospital aided Polish soldiers after World War II. Former Wisła player and vice‑president Colonel Alfred Konkiewicz lies buried in Wrexham, linking the two towns beyond football. Expect a high‑tempo encounter, with Wrexham likely to press early, echoing the “bombard the penalty area” approach that overwhelmed Stal in 1976.

What’s next for Wrexham after the friendly?

After the Poland trip, Wrexham returns to the Racecourse Ground for its first Championship fixture of the season. The club will aim to convert the historic momentum into league points, hoping to close the 24‑point gap to Coventry. With Phil Parkinson still at the helm and a squad that has already shown attacking flair (69 goals this season), the Red Dragons will look to turn nostalgia into tangible progress.

The match also offers a chance for younger players to taste an international atmosphere before the league grind begins. As the club balances heritage with ambition, the Poland friendly serves as a bridge between past glory and future aspirations.