One week to go until Wisła Kraków. Credit: Wrexham AFC
Wrexham will be playing Wisła Kraków in the Polish city of Kraków at Synerise Arena in a pre-season match on Saturday, 11 July, to mark the 120th anniversary of the Polish club.
Not only is the game an interesting challenge for the Dragons but it also links two clubs which share similar values and histories in fan-based clubs.
Moreover, it will give Phil Parkinson’s team the chance to play in Europe before facing another tough season in the English Championship.
The Wisła Krakówevent explained
The game is scheduled for 11 July in the Wrexham 2026 pre-season programme and will take place in Synerise Arena in Kraków.
Wisła are organising the match as part of their 120th anniversary celebrations and Wrexham’s involvement highlights the growing importance of the Welsh club abroad thanks to its fan-based identity.
The two sides differ in terms of scale, country and history of football. However, the link makes perfect sense as it concerns two clubs which have been depending on their fans in hard times.
Why Wisła Kraków matter
Wisła Kraków is one of the oldest clubs in Poland. They are 13-times champions of the country and they enjoy massive respect in Poland due to their achievements.
They have also recently experienced difficulties with finances. Their supporters even helped them financially in 2019 to stop the process of insolvency of the club.
The story reminds of Wrexham’s fan-led rescue from the brink of bankruptcy in 2011 and makes the fixture more than just the usual pre-season.
The Wrexham and Poland connection
There is also a historical background of the fixture. The Penley Hospital near Wrexham helped Polish military and civilians after the Second World War.
Alfred Konkiewicz was one of them. He played for Wisła Kraków and was its vice-president. The Polish colonel of the Polish Army is buried in Wrexham.
The quotes that explain it
Wrexham club ambassador Mickey Thomas framed the fixture around history, Europe and community.
“As a former Wrexham 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 Wisła 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.”
Wisła owner Jarosław Królewski also described the fixture as symbolic.
“Wisła Kraków has existed for 120 years because it has always stood on three pillars: history, courage, and supporters.”
“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.”
Why it matters to Wrexham now
In the case of Wrexham, the match comes at a good time in pre-season for them. It will serve as another test for Parkinson’s side in Europe.
But what makes this game even more important for Wrexham is the realization of how far they have come as a club. A club that was saved by their fans has reached such heights where they are being asked to participate in the celebrations of the 120th anniversary of one of Poland’s most illustrious clubs.
This is what makes the game truly important for them.
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