Wisła Kraków and Wrexham AFC to Mark History with 120th Anniversary Match

As part of the official celebrations of the 120th anniversary of Wisła Kraków, one of the most decorated and historically significant football clubs in Central Europe, Wisła Kraków and Wrexham AFC will come together for a special anniversary match that unites two of football’s most storied institutions.

Founded in 1906, Wisła Kraków is a 13-time Polish Champion, 13-time Polish Vice-Champion, five-time Polish Cup winner, and Polish Super Cup winner. For more than a century, the club has played a defining role in the development of Polish football-combining sporting excellence with a strong sense of identity, continuity, and social responsibility.

Wisła Kraków will face Wrexham AFC, the third-oldest football club in the world and the oldest in Wales, founded in 1864. Wrexham plays its home matches at the STōK Cae Ras, the oldest international football stadium in the world still in use. In recent years, Wrexham has undergone a remarkable revival following its acquisition by Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac, blending sporting ambition, modern management, and global media reach while remaining deeply rooted in its local community -a journey documented in the acclaimed series Welcome to Wrexham (FX/Disney+).

Wisła Kraków’s recent history follows a similarly values-driven path. After a severe financial and organisational crisis in 2019, the club was saved-among other factors-by an unprecedented and innovative crowdfunding campaign, then the largest of its kind in European football. Within days, Wisła supporters helped protect the club from bankruptcy, powerfully demonstrating that football clubs ultimately endure through the strength of their communities.

Jarosław Królewski, Owner of Wisła Kraków, said:

“Wisła Kraków has existed for 120 years because it has always stood on three pillars: history, courage, and supporters. The crisis of 2019 showed that modern football cannot function without trust and genuine partnership with fans. The anniversary match with Wrexham is symbolic - a meeting of two clubs that have proven that even in the most difficult moments, it is possible to rebuild without losing one’s identity.”

Peter Moore, Shareholder of Wisła Kraków, added:

“This event carries both sporting and strategic importance. We are bringing together two historic brands that are now on a clear growth trajectory. Wisła is rebuilding, Wrexham is developing dynamically - this match demonstrates that heritage and modern management can go hand in hand.”

Beyond football, the match also reflects a shared historical and international connection. In 1946, Penley Hospital in Wrexham played a vital role in supporting Polish soldiers and civilians following the Second World War, becoming a lasting symbol of solidarity during one of the most difficult chapters in Polish history. Notably, Alfred Konkiewicz-former Wisła Kraków player and vice-president, colonel of the Polish Army, and commander of the 70th Infantry Regiment during the September Campaign of 1939-is buried in Wrexham. Residents at the hospital and camp included also the Polish military commander, Wacław Przeździecki.

Rob Faulkner, Chief Business and Communications Officer of Wrexham AFC, said:

“The friendly match between Wrexham AFC and Wisła Kraków promises to be a unique occasion, bringing together our two Clubs and supporters  united through their shared history and community-based values. The match will kick-off a busy summer schedule for Wrexham AFC and we hope it will prove a worthy celebration of Wisła Kraków’s 120th anniversary.”

Wrexham AFC Ambassador, Mickey Thomas, added:

“As a former Wrexham AFC player, who played for and represented the Club on their European campaigns in the 1970s, I am so pleased to see us back to a level where we are now connecting with European Clubs such as Wisla Kraków. The fact that there is a shared history between Wales and Poland and that both Clubs have overcome tough times thanks to their community-focused approach, will only make this 120th anniversary match in July even more special.”

The 120th Anniversary Match between Wisła Kraków and Wrexham AFC will be more than a sporting occasion. It will be a celebration of community, resilience in times of crisis, and the responsible rebuilding of football clubs with more than a century of history. Above all, it is a meeting of past and future-on the pitch and beyond. The provisional date of the match is 11 July 2026, and it will be played at Synerise Arena Kraków.