Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has said it will be “an honour” to play Sunderland after the two clubs were scheduled to meet in Philadelphia as part of Wrexham’s pre-season tour of the United States.
High-profile friendly for Sunderland fans abroad
McElhenney — whose purchase of Wrexham alongside Ryan Reynolds has pushed the Welsh club to international prominence — told reporters he had been inspired by the Sunderland documentary Sunderland 'Til I Die, and that the chance to face the Black Cats in the US was particularly welcome. The remark underlines the growing cultural crossover between English and Welsh clubs and the expanding appeal of both teams to American audiences.
“I watched Sunderland ‘Til I Die and thought it was a really beautiful documentary… It will be an honour to play them in Philadelphia,”
Wrexham are into a third pre-season trip to America and have played a pair of notable fixtures already, recording a 3-2 win over Leeds United before a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool. The match against Sunderland in Philadelphia is scheduled for Sunday, giving both clubs a chance to test squads, sharpen combinations and broaden fan engagement overseas.
What it means for Sunderland
For Sunderland supporters, many of whom may still see the club through the prism of the acclaimed documentary, the fixture presents both a sporting test and a moment of profile on an international stage. The club’s rise in recent seasons — referenced by Wrexham’s manager Phil Parkinson as an example of smart use of funding and careful management — has drawn attention beyond traditional UK circles.
“They’ve spent the money from the TV revenue wisely, they’ve got themselves in a great position and it shows it can be done,”
Parkinson, who has prior connections with Sunderland through his managerial career, offered measured praise for the way the club has used revenue streams to strengthen its position.
- Wrexham’s US tour results so far: 3-2 win v Leeds United; 1-0 loss v Liverpool.
- Upcoming fixture: Wrexham v Sunderland in Philadelphia, Sunday.
- Context: McElhenney cited the Sunderland documentary as an influence on his interest in club ownership.
Local relevance and what to watch
Sunderland’s presence on such a fixture list continues to elevate the club’s profile while offering practical benefits: players gain match sharpness, managers can assess transfer targets and supporters abroad receive a rare opportunity to see the team live. For local fans in Sunderland, the game also serves as a reminder of how media portrayal and on-field success combine to attract global attention.
| Fixture | Result |
|---|---|
| Wrexham v Leeds United | 3-2 |
| Wrexham v Liverpool | 0-1 |
| Wrexham v Sunderland (Philadelphia) | Scheduled — Sunday |
As both clubs prepare for the match, the tie will be watched closely by supporters on both sides and by observers interested in the intersection of sport, media and international fan engagement. The friendly is another instance of how regional football clubs are becoming global brands while retaining strong local meaning for their communities.
Leo Davies, Sunderland correspondent, InfoRadar
