Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond playable in FIFA 23

Ted Lasso and the rest of the AFC Richmond crew are playable as a team in the upcoming FIFA 23.

The loveable squad had rumors circulating regarding their existence in the latest EA release. Previously, certain data leaks showed AFC Richmond, a fictional side on the Ted Lasso Apple TV+ show, appearing on menus. However, the official Ted Lasso Twitter account released a photo of lead actor Jason Sudeikis in front of cameras. Consequently, the EA Sports FIFA account replied with an emoji of excitement.

As stated, AFC Richmond is not a real team, nor is Ted Lasso a real manager, as much as fans want him to be. However, the side’s fictional run in the English pyramid is theoretically accurate, albeit sometimes hard to believe with Lasso’s play-calling. With a newly announced deal with Nike as the shirt sponsor for Richmond and Premier League licensing for teams to appear in the show, the addition into FIFA is yet another piece of the Ted Lasso story seeming more real.

Ted Lasso in FIFA 23

In terms of gameplay, there is limited information available on the possibilities with AFC Richmond. As all the players, from Jamie Tartt to Roy Kent, are fictional, it is a challenge to come up with the intricate stats for each player.

That being said, the preview video for Ted Lasso in FIFA 23 showed many of the familiar players, as well as Lasso and his assistant Coach Beard.

In addition to seeing Roy Kent’s flying challenge or Jamie Tartt curling one into the far post, AFC Richmond’s stadium will also be in the game. Same goes for the fictional dating service that is on the front of the AFC Richmond kit, ‘bantr.’

Perhaps the best part of that official trailer is the appearance of real-life soccer icons. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish featured as a cameo before his in-game self got horrifically tackled by Roy Kent. Current D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney commented on Ted Lasso’s coaching ability, as did former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.

FIFA 23 has an initial release date set for Sep. 26 (now available for pre-order). That is exclusively for the ultimate edition. General access begins on Sep. 30. At either point, users can play as AFC Richmond and take the role of Ted Lasso managing the team to glory.