How to watch Wellington Phoenix v Wrexham AFC: Preview, team news

Wrexham AFC’s tour of Australia and New Zealand concludes on Saturday afternoon with a clash against Wellington Phoenix at Sky Stadium. Here’s everything you need to know.

After a shock loss to a youthful Sydney FC in front of 40,000 people on Tuesday night, Championship outfit Wrexham will be out to finish their tour on a high when they meet Wellington Phoenix on Saturday afternoon.

A brilliant goal from 18-year-old Joe Lacey saw the Isuzu UTE A-League side come from behind to win 2-1, following the Welsh side’s 3-0 win over Melbourne Victory.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO WELLINGTON PHOENIX V WREXHAM AFC HERE

Australia flocked to see Wrexham, who have shot to global fame thanks to their documentary series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and three straight promotions, and now it’s New Zealand’s turn to be a part of the buzz.

The Red Dragons are preparing for their first season back in England’s second tier since 1982 – and their next challenge is to take on a Phoenix side who are in the midst of a rebuild.

Giancarlo Italiano has a fresh backroom staff, headlined by the arrival of new assistant Kelly Guimarães from Brazil, and is on the look out for new signings after a string of departures following an 11th-placed finish in 2024-25.

Scott Wootton (Perth Glory), Sam Sutton (Perth Glory), Kosta Barbarouses (Western Sydney Wanderers), Stefan Colakovski, Francisco Geraldes and Dublin boon have all left the Phoenix, while their only signing to date is Nigerian striker Ifeanyi Eze.

Eze, who scored 15 goals last season in Iraq’s top flight, is something of an unknown and will be keen to make a good impression as he looks to fill Barbarouses’ big shoes.

Italiano will lean on the club’s youngsters in this clash, with the match coming too soon for the likes of Corban Piper, Tim Payne, Eze, Paulo Retre, Alex Rufer and Alby Kelly-Heald.

They’ve also got some rising stars to watch, led by Brooke-Smith (17) and Gabriel Sloane-Rodrigues (18).

The Phoenix will debut a new kit in this game.

When and where is the game?

Wellington Phoenix take on Wrexham AFC this Saturday, July 19 at Sky Stadium in Wellington, with kick-off listed at 5pm local time / 3pm AEST.

Get your tickets here.

How can I watch Wellington Phoenix v Wrexham?

Fans in New Zealand can watch the match live on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.

Fans in Australia can watch the match live on Paramount+. Sign up now.

Team News

Wrexham have brought a 30-player squad on this tour, headlined by some high-profile former Premier League stars and some prominent faces in their documentary series.

44-time Wales international and former Liverpool and Leicester City goalkeeper Danny Ward is the club’s most recent big name signing.

Captain James McClean will be leading Wrexham out; the winger boasts 103 caps for the Republic of Ireland and played 158 times in the Premier League across stints with Sunderland and West Brom.

GET YOUR TICKETS TO WELLINGTON PHOENIX V WREXHAM AFC HERE

Aussie and Kiwi football fans will also likely remember striker Jay Rodriguez from his exploits in England’s top-flight with Southampton, West Brom and Burnley, amassing 258 matches and scoring 46 goals.

One of the stars of Wrexham’s world famous documentary Ollie Palmer is also on the tour, with the 33-year-old striker starting against Victory.

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Manager Phil Parkinson will likely be without Ollie Rathbone, who was taken straight to hospital after an ankle injury against Sydney FC. Rodriguez is also an injury concern with a foot problem.

Wrexham’s full 30-man squad: