Do you believe in the United States men’s national team?
Ted Lasso does.
Billboards, and now apparently full-page ads, have appeared this week across the country from the fictional-yet-wildly-inspiring soccer coach in support of members of the U.S. team before it embarks on next week’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Lasso took out a full-page ad in Tuesday’s print edition of The Dallas Morning News to praise U.S. midfielder Weston McKennie, who hails from Little Elm, a suburb of Dallas. A billboard also appeared in Little Elm:
Weston McKennie's #TedLassoUSMNT billboard on the north side of 380 in Little Elm.
— Gina Miller (@TheGinaMiller) November 15, 2022
(exact location: https://t.co/mymlTJuorA) pic.twitter.com/Ik601RNqee
The hit Apple+ show has won near universal acclaim for its writing, acting and general wholesomeness. It was inspired by an NBC bit by comedian Jason Sudeikis about an American football coach who heads to England to manage a soccer club.
Lasso’s message to McKennie is one of support and plays off the midfielder’s goal celebration/love of the Harry Potter series, calling the Juventus player a wizard. Take a look for yourself, and you can also view the original on the back page of Tuesday’s SportsDay:
McKennie is joined on the team by DFW’s Kellyn Acosta and Jesus Ferreira. The U.S. plays Wales at 1 p.m. Monday to kick off the World Cup.
(UPDATE, 10:03 a.m.): A billboard was also spotted on Tuesday wishing World Cup luck to Ferreira...
Jesús Ferreira #TedLassoUSMNT billboard.
— Gina Miller (@TheGinaMiller) November 15, 2022
Can’t confirm location.
LOOKS to be on the east side of the Tollway in Plano. pic.twitter.com/vO1GEgP1iT
(UPDATE, 1:38 p.m.): A billboard was also made for Plano’s Acosta, next to some cows.
Find more FC Dallas coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.