Ted Lasso and Coach Beard Give Justin Bieber a Pep Talk Before 2026 World Cup Final Performance
Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt reprised their 'Ted Lasso' roles to give Justin Bieber a pep talk before his 2026 World Cup halftime performance. The show also featured Shakira and Chris Martin in a high-profile musical showcase.
Why it matters
The integration of fictional characters into real-world major events highlights the intersection of entertainment media and global sports marketing.
Buda Mendes/Getty Images Justin Bieber needed a little pep talk before taking the pitch at the 2026 World Cup Halftime show. Thankfully, he had some seasoned coaches to hype him up.
During the Sunday, July 19, halftime performance in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Jason Sudeikis dressed as the beloved fictional soccer coach Ted Lasso alongside onscreen sidekick Coach Beard ( Brendan Hunt ).
After Sudeikis, 50, said to Hunt, 54, that they needed someone who could "bring the love," Bieber, 32, appeared on screen with his guitar. Hunt then held up a screen that read, "JB" with the iconic Ted Lasso "Believe" sign taped on it, reading, "Beliebe."
"Alright young man, let's go. It's your big shot," Sudeikis told Bieber before his performance. "OK, now listen to me. Go out there. Don't be nervous. Nobody's watching, alright? Make us proud."
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