The 2025-26 EFL Championship season is set to kick off with a captivating match between Southampton and Wrexham at St. Mary's Stadium on Saturday, August 9, 2025. This game marks Wrexham's return to the second tier of English football after 43 years, a historic moment for the club and its supporters. Southampton, on the other hand, are aiming for a strong start as they seek to bounce back to the Premier League following their recent relegation.
Southampton's relegation from the Premier League in the 2024-25 season was a disappointing one, finishing at the bottom of the table. In response, the club appointed Will Still as their new manager, hoping he can lead them back to the top flight. Meanwhile, Wrexham's journey has been nothing short of a fairytale, achieving three consecutive promotions and capturing the imagination of football fans worldwide.
Southampton has seen some changes in their squad, with Joshua Quarshie and Damion Downs being the notable additions. However, they have retained most of their key players. Tyler Dibling is expected to depart, and Ben Brereton is out with a hip injury. Doubts surround the fitness of Flynn Downes and Will Smallbone.
Wrexham has been active in the transfer market, bringing in players with Championship and Premier League experience. New signings include Conor Coady, Kieffer Moore, Lewis O'Brien, and versatile New Zealand international Liberato Cacace. However, they will be without Jay Rodriguez and Oliver Rathbone for the opening match. Phil Parkinson, Wrexham's manager, has also hinted that further signings may be on the horizon.
Southampton's pre-season form has been inconsistent, with two wins, three draws, and one loss in their six friendlies. In those matches, both teams scored in five of them, indicating potential vulnerabilities in defense. Wrexham's pre-season included a trip to Australia, where they had mixed results, including a 3-0 victory over Melbourne Victory and defeats to Sydney FC and Wellington Phoenix.
Will Still acknowledged Wrexham's efficiency and success, stating, "They are a really efficient team. They've got quite a clear identity in what they do and how they go about things, and they've obviously been incredibly successful". Phil Parkinson expressed his excitement about playing against a team with Premier League experience, saying, "It's amazing that we'll be running out at Southampton in front of a packed house, against a team that has spent a lot of time in the Premier League over the last few years".
Southampton's financial position is strong, thanks to parachute payments from the Premier League, high player values, and established club infrastructure. These payments are designed to help relegated clubs adjust to life outside the Premier League. Wrexham has also invested significantly in their squad, with a total expenditure of £11 million on eight new players.
Given both teams' attacking potential and defensive vulnerabilities, a high-scoring game is anticipated. A draw seems a likely outcome.
The match is scheduled for a 12:30 pm UK Time kick-off on Saturday, August 9. In the US, the game will be broadcast live on Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network, and Amazon Prime Video for US subscribers.
