Cardiff - Wrexham

The Championship season kicks off at Cardiff City Stadium on 17 August 2026 as Cardiff City welcome Wrexham for matchday 1. This fixture carries the echo of a recent cup encounter, with Cardiff City emerging victorious with a 2-1 win over Wrexham in the EFL Cup on 28 October 2025. That result will undoubtedly be on the minds of both sets of players as they prepare to face off in the league.

Cardiff City began their season with a 3-2 victory over Swindon Town in the EFL Cup on 8 August 2026, suggesting a positive start. Wrexham, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Middlesbrough in their opening cup tie on 7 August 2026. The expected starting lineups show familiar faces for both clubs, with Cardiff City likely to field a forward-heavy approach and Wrexham aiming for midfield control.