### Wrexham's Historic FA Cup Triumph: A Hollywood Fairytale Unfolds Wrexham AFC, a club backed by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, achieved a remarkable feat by knocking out Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round. The match, held on January 9, 2026, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw, leading to a penalty shootout where Wrexham triumphed 4-3. This victory marks Wrexham's first elimination of a Premier League team in 26 years, adding another chapter to their inspiring journey through the English football pyramid [https://www.sentinelassam.com/sports-news/fa-cup-wrexham-knock-out-nottingham-forest-in-third-round-thriller]. ### Breakdown of the FA Cup Upset 1. **Match Overview** - Wrexham faced Nottingham Forest in a gripping encounter that ended 3-3 after regular and extra time. - The match concluded with a penalty shootout, where Wrexham emerged victorious 4-3, thanks to goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo's two crucial saves [https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/james-mcclean-hails-magical-night-despite-penalty-miss-as-wrexham-dump-nottingham-forest-out-of-fa-cup/a904524422.html]. 2. **Key Players and Moments** - Arthur Okonkwo was the standout performer, saving two penalties during the shootout, which secured Wrexham's advancement to the next round [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/wrexham-ryan-reynolds-phil-parkinson-premier-league-nottingham-forest-b2898030.html]. - Manager Phil Parkinson praised the team's resilience and highlighted the significance of the victory, especially with co-owner Ryan Reynolds present to witness the historic moment [https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/wrexhams-fa-cup-shocker-how-ryan-reynolds-and-rob-macs-club-downed-premier-league-side-nottingham-forest]. 3. **Cultural Impact** - This victory is not just a sporting achievement; it symbolizes the club's transformation and growing popularity under its Hollywood ownership, capturing the attention of fans worldwide [https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ryan-reynolds-wrexham-nottingham-forest-36529409]. - The match has been described as a "magical night," reflecting the emotional connection fans have with the club's journey [https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/wrexham-roars-knocks-out-nottingham-33205885]. ### Summary of Findings **Wrexham's FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest is a landmark achievement that highlights the club's resurgence and the impact of its Hollywood ownership.** 1. **Match Details** - Wrexham 3-3 Nottingham Forest (Wrexham wins 4-3 on penalties) [https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/hollywood-backed-wrexham-knock-forest-out-of-fa-cup-in-six-goal-thriller]. 2. **Heroic Performances** - Arthur Okonkwo's two penalty saves were pivotal in securing the win [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/wrexham-nottingham-forest-live-stream-score-result-fa-cup-b2897657.html]. 3. **Cultural Significance** - The victory is a testament to Wrexham's growth and the excitement surrounding the club, further fueled by its Hollywood co-owners [https://www.sportingnews.com/uk/football/news/wrexham-vs-nottingham-forest-prediction-lineups-odds-tv-and-fa-cup-bet-builder-tips]. This thrilling match not only advances Wrexham in the FA Cup but also solidifies their place in football history, showcasing the magic of the tournament and the potential for underdog stories in sports.