Fictional football manager Ted Lasso has taken the world by storm since the hit TV show was released in 2020.
The series sees a whimsical American coach swap NFL for football with very little knowledge of how the round ball game actually works.
Lasso is appointed the manager of an English club by the name of AFC Richmond and looks to steer the club to success despite a series of off-field dramas.
The show has won eight Emmys after just two seasons and will now combine with another famous football franchise.
MORE: FIFA 23 release date and price | Is Ted Lasso based on a true story?
Is Ted Lasso coming to FIFA 23?
After rumours of a possible crossover, it has been confirmed that Ted Lasso and the show's stars will be incorporated into the new FIFA 23 game.
On September 21, both the official FIFA and Ted Lasso Twitter accounts posted a one-minute trailer that showcases Lasso's inclusion in the game.
The fictional coach - played in the show by Jason Sudeikis - is seen walking out to a virtual field, pointing and cheering as he manages from the sideline.
Other key characters from the Apple TV series are shown in the trailer, including Coach Beard, reporter Trent Crimm and AFC Richmond players such as Roy Kent and Jamie Tartt.
Brett Goldstein - who plays Kent - expressed his excitement in seeing the popular series come to virtual life.
“It is so f---ing cool to be in FIFA. I’m not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumors but f--- it, totally worth it,” Goldstein said in a statement.
“I look forward to beating my nephew in a game with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He’s going to be furious.”
I've got goosebumps. Seein’ my guys in CGI is so weird. Except Roy for some reason. pic.twitter.com/YqPuvw2jHK
— Ted Lasso (@TedLasso) September 21, 2022
Suggestions of a Ted Lasso cameo on FIFA 23 surfaced in September, fuelled by some intriguing tweets from the show's official account.
"Look out, Mario! You're not the only pixelated man with a mustache who never knows where the tube is taking him..." the tweet from September 20 read.
The tweet was accompanied by an image of Lasso seemingly getting a face scan - something footballers often get to ensure they are represented accurately in FIFA games.
To add further fuel to the fire, EA SPORTS FIFA then commented on the post with a suggestive emoji.
👀
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) September 20, 2022
Will AFC Richmond be playable in FIFA 23?
The incorporation of Ted Lasso isn't simply a publicity stunt, with AFC Richmond to be fully playable on FIFA 23.
The fictional team will be featured in Career Mode, Kick-Off, Online Friendlies, and Online Seasons, with The Greyhounds’ Nelson Road home stadium even playable.
You can also have your own created player take to the pitch alongside the stars of AFC Richmond.
On top of this, FIFA 23 will make kits, tifos and manager items available for players to unlock via FIFA Ultimate Team and Pro Clubs.
When is Ted Lasso season three being released?
While Ted Lasso has secured a cameo in FIFA 23, fans of the show have been waiting impatiently for a new season.
It's now been over a year since the first episodes of season two were released and there is still no word on when season three will air.
Next season could be the show's last having been created initially with a three-season arc.
"The story that's being told - that three-season arc - is one that I see, know, and understood," show creator and actor Jason Sudeikis told Entertainment Weekly.
"I'm glad that they are willing to pay for those three seasons. As far as what happens after that, who knows? I don't know."