Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham soccer team is making its US debut in Cary. Here’s what to know.

A Marvel movie star, a sitcom actor and legendary Welsh soccer players: Cary’s got it all.

The Welsh soccer team Wrexham A.F.C. owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will hash it out this summer in The Soccer Tournament, a seven-on-seven tournament in Cary.

The winner-take-all tournament is June 1 to 4 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary.

Thirty-two teams will vie for a $1 million prize in a World Cup-style format with a group stage preceding the knockout stages.

Known as The Red Dragons, Wrexham was founded in 1864. It’s the oldest club in Wales and the third oldest professional association football team in the world.

But this underdog club has now gained fame across the pond, thanks to its Hollywood owners and the hard-working footballers.

Reynolds, of Marvel’s “Deadpool” fame, and McElhenney, known as the beloved Mac from FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” bought the Wrexham team in 2020.

The team and its famous owners have been the stars of the FX docuseries, called “Welcome to Wrexham,” depicting the “Moneyball”-esque rise of an underdog team.

The first season debuted on Hulu last year, and a second season is in the works. Some of those players are expected to play in Cary, a news release said.

And Wrexham has been on fire lately. In a 4-3 win, the Red Dragons pulled off a massive upset on Jan. 7 against Coventry City in the third round of the Football Association Challenge Cup, an annual English soccer competition.

Coventry, an English Club, plays in the Championship, which is three tiers higher than Wrexham. But the Red Dragons prevailed.

“I’m completely and totally speechless,” Reynolds tweeted after the game. “What a club. What a town. What a win.”

Wrexham co-owner, actor Ryan Reynolds arrives prior to the English FA Cup 4th round Soccer match between Wrexham and Sheffield United at The Racecourse Ground, in Wrexham, England, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. Peter Byrne/AP
Wrexham co-owner, actor Ryan Reynolds arrives prior to the English FA Cup 4th round Soccer match between Wrexham and Sheffield United at The Racecourse Ground, in Wrexham, England, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. Peter Byrne/AP

How to get tickets to TST in Cary, NC

Wrexham AFC has been named as one of the first eight teams in the tournament alongside Mexican team Necaxa, the team of former U.S. team captain Clint Dempsey; a team run by U.S. women’s midfielder Heather O’Relly; and Hashtag United, a semi-pro English league founded by YouTuber Spencer Carmichael-Brown.

“Wrexham AFC is an incredible story showcasing the experience that can unfold when fans, players and owners are equally committed to the Club and the community,” said TST founder Jon Mugar in a news release. “We are proud to welcome the entire Wrexham AFC family to the US and TST to watch the Club compete in our electrifying format.”

Group play will begin Thursday, June 1. Quarterfinals and semifinals are on Saturday, June 3 with the $1 million championship on Sunday, June 4.

Tickets have not gone on sale yet, but a waitlist is available on the TST website at thetournament.com.

Wrexham’s Tom O’Connor celebrates scoring against Sheffield United during the English FA Cup fourth round soccer match at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Wales, Sunday Jan. 29, 2023. Peter Byrne/AP
Wrexham’s Tom O’Connor celebrates scoring against Sheffield United during the English FA Cup fourth round soccer match at The Racecourse Ground, Wrexham, Wales, Sunday Jan. 29, 2023. Peter Byrne/AP

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