The excitement surrounding Argentina's World Cup quarterfinal against Switzerland reached beyond the stadium on Saturday, as the stars of the hit Apple TV series Ted Lasso joined fans in Kansas City to celebrate the tournament.
Actor Jason Sudeikis, who plays fictional AFC Richmond coach Ted Lasso, hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium while Lionel Messi's Argentina played Switzerland at nearby Arrowhead Stadium for a place in the semifinals.
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Sudeikis said his appreciation for football had grown since working on the show and noted that many scenes from the upcoming fourth season, which premieres on Aug. 5, were filmed around Kansas City, including CPKC Stadium, home of the National Women's Soccer League's Kansas City Current.
Actress Juno Temple, who plays Keeley Jones, said she was excited that the new season would focus on AFC Richmond's newly formed women's team, adding that she hoped viewers would value its emphasis on women's football.
Brendan Hunt, who portrays Coach Beard and also writes for the show, said Ted Lasso had helped introduce many viewers to football. Comparing the current World Cup with the 1994 tournament hosted by the United States, he said American fans were now far more engaged with the sport.
Hunt jokingly described the timing of the show's return after the World Cup as more than just a coincidence.