If you’ve watched “Welcome to Wrexham,” you already know why this one’s a bigger deal than a normal preseason friendly. Wrexham AFC — the 1864-founded Welsh club that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney turned into a global underdog story, now riding three straight promotions into the EFL Championship — faces off against Leeds United, one of English football’s most historic names, at Raymond James Stadium this Saturday, July 25, at 7:30 PM.
Both clubs are using the trip as part of a preseason tour ahead of the 2026/27 season, which means you’re getting a real, competitive match rather than a glorified exhibition. Raymond James Stadium seats 65,000 and normally hosts the Buccaneers, so even a preseason friendly draws a legitimately big crowd and a full stadium atmosphere — tailgating included, if that’s your thing.
You don’t need to follow the Premier League or the Championship table to have a good time here. It’s a Saturday night, a big stadium, two teams with real history between them, and Tampa’s summer soccer scene has been building steadily with events like this one. If you’ve been curious about what the “Wrexham” hype is actually about, this is about as easy an entry point as you’ll get without leaving Hillsborough County.
Get there early if you want to tailgate, and expect stadium prices for concessions — bring a card, not just cash, since most stands are cashless.
What: Wrexham AFC vs. Leeds United FC (preseason friendly)
When: Saturday, July 25, 2026, 7:30 PM
Where: Raymond James Stadium, 4201 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa