On July 18th, it’s Man United vs Ryan Reynolds and the other guy in Helsinki

Yes, on Saturday 18 July 2026, Helsinki hosts two very different kinds of football fame. (That is the politically correct way to put it).

Manchester United are one of the most established names in world sport. Even people who have never watched a full match know the badge, the red shirts, Old Trafford and at least a few names from the club’s history.

Wrexham are famous in a rather more modern way. They are owned by Ryan Reynolds and some other guy (from what we hear, he is still involved)— and their revival has been turned into a successful documentary series. This means millions of people know the owners, the story and the location of Wrexham on a map (maybe not), even if they would struggle to name the right-back. And we say revival because Wrexham actually have some amazing history. A Hollywood publicist has claimed that the club is the the third-oldest professional football club in the world. Third-oldest.. right.

Anyway, its claims like these that make this match-up so exciting. Manchester United’s previous appearance in the Finnish capital came during the 1965/66 European Cup. Matt Busby’s team defeated HJK Helsinki 3–2 at the Olympic Stadium and then won the return match 6–0 at Old Trafford. That United era featured Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best.

This time the Red Devils are back again, and the current United team contains expensive players, international players and promising young players, but with the World Cup and all, ChatGPT couldn’t give me a single name.

But we can contend that Manchester United themselves remain enormously famous to this day. The precise eleven representing them in the first pre-season friendly is just a well-kept secret.

Now, the Wrexham AFC team, on the other hand. A different story. They are known as the Red Dragons. We think. (So it’s “The Red Devils meet the Red Dragons.”). What can we say about the line-up, not so much. Ryan Reynolds is out with a hamstring injury. There might be two Welsh internationals coming but we saw enough of them back in 2024 so yeah.

In all fairness, Wrexham are an interesting team, it’s clear they are aiming for the top and so we want to wish them luck as it will be an interesting and challenging journey for sure. At each level you still need to win those games unless you hold some cards or are friends with Infantino or Trump. And since Ryan Reynolds was clearly dealt a poor hand with that face and everything he has going on, so we sympathise. And most of all we sincerely hope they get to go to battle for their glory.

Ahead of this July’s game, however, we are betting that both teams’ players and staff alike will obviously be saving their best edge to the after-party at Crystal Show Club.
Not a single one travelling to Helsinki will want to look anything less than polished when buying drinks for our gorgeous international dancers. Two floors and VIP rooms are waiting—but you still need to show up. Our staff are famously hospitable, so there is really nothing to worry about. We have, however, heard that even the less familiar names in a travelling squad can occasionally behave like prima donnas.

We will see how that turns out but every customer will get the royal treatment come Saturday thats for sure.

So dont miss the best post-game after party in Helsinki!

The Red Devils meet the Red Dragons
Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
Venue: Helsinki Olympic Stadium https://maps.app.goo.gl/4cUV6ZFnXPZrDCyY8
Address: Paavo Nurmen tie 1, Helsinki
Gates open: 16:00
Kick-off: 18:00
Likely departure from the stadium: Shortly after 20:00

The final whistle is only half-time. The schedule is unusually convenient.
The stadium gates open at 16:00. The match begins at 18:00. Supporters should be leaving shortly after 20:00. Crystal Show Club opens at 21:00.

Crystal Show Club is located at Lönnrotinkatu 19 and is open every night from 21:00 until 05:00. The club offers two floors, two stages, international dancers and VIP areas in the centre of Helsinki.

As the best strip club in Helsinki, it is the natural habitat for footballers and fans to party after the game. See you at the club.