Wrexham has had a fairytale rise through the ranks of English soccer, and their biggest challenge yet starts Saturday as they face Southampton in the EFL Championship.

Wrexham has been the subject of FX's "Welcome to Wrexham" show documenting the club's attempt to climb the ranks of the pyramid in England. What began as a club in decline in a semi-pro league has become one of global soccer's big stories, with the Red Dragons gaining promotion to higher leagues in three straight seasons.

With most Championship clubs ready and willing to spend millions to sign players, it's the biggest leap for the Wales-based team yet. Wrexham has made some big moves of their own, spending nearly €13 million to acquire former MLS standout Lewis O'Brien, towering striker Kieffer Moore, and Premier League veterans like Conor Coady and Danny Ward.

Will it be enough? Southampton, who spent last season in the Premier League, will be a major test of Wrexham's ambitions as both teams begin the long season ahead. Here's what to know to catch the game:

Wrexham vs. Southampton: Time, TV channel and how to watch

  • Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
  • Location: St. Mary's Stadium (Southampton, England)
  • TV: None
  • Stream: Paramount+, CBS Sports Golazo Network

Watch Wrexham in the EFL Championship on Paramount+

Wrexham promotion history

Actors Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds purchased Wrexham in late 2020, and since then the team has been on a rocket ship up the English soccer pyramid.

It might seem like they're "only" in the second-tier Championship, but when you consider where they were just a few years ago it underlines what a magical run it's been. When the ownership change happened, Wrexham was in the fifth division, which isn't even fully professional, but now they're one rung away from the Premier League.

Here's their history since the Hollywood takeover:

  • 2020-21: 8th place, National League
  • 2021-22: 2nd place, National League (lost playoff to Grimsby Town)
  • 2022-23: 1st place, National League (promoted to League Two)
  • 2023-24: 2nd place, League Two (promoted to League One)
  • 2024-25: 2nd place, League One (promoted to EFL Championship)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Wrexham vs. Southampton: Time, where to watch EFL Championship soccer

Reporting by Jason Anderson, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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