Ted Lasso returns as coach of women's team in season 4

Ted Lasso returns for a fourth season on 5 August on Apple TV+, with Jason Sudeikis coaching the AFC Richmond women's team to spotlight gender inequality in football Source: Infobae. The comedy wrapped its third season in 2023 when Ted returned to Kansas City; last year Apple TV+ announced a renewal, and the new run opens with Rebecca Welton, Keeley Jones and Leslie Higgins travelling to his new home to offer him the job Source: Infobae.

New challenge

Ted faces a women's squad with fewer resources, less decision-making power and less visibility than male players Source: Infobae. New cast members include Tanya Reynolds as assistant coach Alice Chilton — the "polar opposite" of Ted — plus Jude Mack, Faye Marsay and Abbie Hern as players Source: Infobae. Reynolds's character challenges Rebecca Welton's self-image as a feminist, a dynamic Waddingham calls "brilliant" because it forces Rebecca to question herself Source: Infobae. The actors say the topic is handled "with much grace" rather than as an attack Source: Infobae.

Back in the spotlight

Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt appeared as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard at the FIFA 2026 World Cup final halftime show, introducing Justin Bieber and turning the "Believe" sign into "Beliebe" Source: Listín Diario. The outlet reads the cameo as proof of the series' lasting cultural pull and credits it with helping bring football to American audiences, while cautioning its influence should not be overstated Source: Listín Diario.