Rob McElhenney has revealed which teams he’ll be supporting at the 2026 World Cup, with Ryan Reynolds set to become a friendly rival and two Wrexham players preparing for the biggest tournament in football.
McElhenney discussed his World Cup loyalties in an interview with Sports Illustrated, reflecting on how far Wrexham have come and their growing presence on the international stage.
While the American actor will naturally be backing the United States, he also admitted that he and Reynolds could find themselves on opposite sides this summer, with Canada looking to make an impact on home soil.
The tournament will have added significance for Wrexham too. Club captain Dom Hyam is part of Scotland’s squad, while Liberato Cacace has been selected by New Zealand.
Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could be World Cup rivals
McElhenney smiled when asked whether there could be some bragging rights at stake between himself and Reynolds during the tournament.
“Of course. A few years ago, he went into Canada’s locker room and fired up the team.”
McElhenney then joked about Reynolds’ influence on the Canadian national side.
“I don’t think they won that game, though, so I’m not sure whether he’s a good-luck charm or a bad one, who’s to say?”
The exchange was typical of the relationship the pair have developed since taking over Wrexham in 2021.
Their shared ownership has helped transform the club from a National League side into Championship contenders, but the World Cup offers a rare opportunity for sporting rivalry.
Wrexham will have two players at the World Cup
Beyond supporting the United States, McElhenney also made it clear that Wrexham’s representatives on the international stage will have the club’s full backing.
“We’ll definitely be rooting for New Zealand and Scotland.”
Hyam’s inclusion in Scotland’s squad and Cacace’s place with New Zealand represent another significant milestone for the club.
For only the second time in Wrexham’s history, the club will have current players competing at a World Cup. This summer, they will have two.
McElhenney said the growing number of international call-ups has become one of the clearest signs of the club’s progress.
“What an honour for the players, and what an honour for the club, to have international call-ups.”
Another sign of how far Wrexham have come
International recognition was once a rarity at the Racecourse. During Wrexham’s years in the National League and lower divisions, international call-ups were uncommon.
Now they are becoming part of the club’s new reality. The rise overseen by McElhenney and Reynolds has brought higher-quality players, bigger expectations and greater visibility around the world.
Wrexham narrowly missed out on the Championship play-offs last season, but having two players involved at the World Cup is another reminder of the level the club now operates at.
McElhenney may be hoping the United States come out on top this summer, but Wrexham supporters will have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Scotland and New Zealand as well.
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