Of all the former Saturday Night Live cast members, one has a strong connection with “the beautiful game,” which is why it wasn’t a surprise to see Jason Sudeikis on the pitch Sunday for the FIFA World Cup finals.
Sudeikis appeared in character as Ted Lasso during the halftime show of the World Cup final for a star-studded show. Appearing with his Ted Lasso co-star Brendan Hunt (playing Coach Beard), Sudeikis introduced Canadian singer Justin Bieber.
For three seasons, Sudeikis starred in Ted Lasso, the Apple TV+ show that centers on soccer (football to most of the planet). He plays the titular character, a former American football coach who finds himself managing a lackluster club in England. Ted Lasso‘s fourth and presumably final season will debut on August 5.
The World Cup final was played in East Rutherford, New Jersey, between defending champion Argentina and Spain. It was likely the last World Cup match for legendary Argentinian star Lionel Messi.
Others who appeared on the World Cup final halftime show were Shakira, BTS, Madonna, Burna Boy, and the PS 22 Chorus from Staten Island.
Also seen at the World Cup was former SNL cast member Will Ferrell, whose new show about golf, titled The Hawk, recently debuted on Netflix. Mick Jagger, who hosted Saturday Night Live in Season 37 and has appeared multiple times as a musical guest and special guest, was also seen at the stadium for the World Cup final.
