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Sport
Cardiff City-Wrexham closes Championship opening day on Monday evening
Herz — Sport Desk · · 30s summary · 2 min read
The essentials
Welsh neighbours Cardiff City and Wrexham meet on Monday evening at Cardiff City Stadium to close the opening day of the 2026-2027 Championship season. This marks their first league meeting in 24 years, with Cardiff's previous victory coming 3-2 on March 22, 2002, before just under 16,000 spectators. Nearly double that attendance is expected this time. The match will be broadcast worldwide, with particular attention anticipated in North America following Wrexham's prominence through the documentary "Welcome to Wrexham".
- First league meeting between the Welsh clubs in 24 years
- Cardiff won their last encounter 3-2 in 2002
- Nearly double the 2002 attendance expected
- Match broadcast worldwide with significant North American interest
What we know
Cardiff City hosts Wrexham on Monday evening at Cardiff City Stadium in south Wales. The match closes the opening day of the 2026-2027 Championship season, English football's second tier.
According to BBC Sport and Yahoo Sports, this fixture marks the clubs' first league meeting in 24 years. Their previous championship encounter dates back to March 22, 2002.
The match will be broadcast worldwide, with particular attention anticipated in North America, where the documentary "Welcome to Wrexham" has increased the club's profile.
Previous encounters
On March 22, 2002, Cardiff City defeated Wrexham 3-2 at Ninian Park. Scott Young, Peter Thorne and Danny Gabbidon scored in front of just under 16,000 spectators.
Nearly twice as many people are expected on Monday at Cardiff City Stadium. This estimate represents almost double the 2002 attendance figure.
The two sides have also faced each other in the EFL Cup fourth round, English football's league cup competition. Cardiff won 2-1 at the Racecourse Ground.
- March 22, 2002Cardiff City defeat Wrexham 3-2 at Ninian Park in the league.
- EFL Cup fourth roundCardiff City win 2-1 against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground.
- Monday eveningCardiff City host Wrexham to close the opening day of the 2026-2027 season.
The two clubs' recent journey
Cardiff City returned to the English second tier at the first attempt after finishing bottom of the Championship in 2024-2025.
Wrexham gained promotion from the third tier, the League One. This promotion prevented two league matches against Cardiff City last season.
Brian Barry-Murphy manages Cardiff City, while Phil Parkinson is in charge at Wrexham.
Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac are behind Wrexham, while Malaysian businessman Vincent Tan owns Cardiff City.
The pre-match perspective
Denis Smith, 78, managed Wrexham during the 2002 defeat. He recalls spending five years at the club, winning trophies and achieving promotion.
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