7 AFC Richmond Stars Confirmed For Ted Lasso Season 4 And The Shocking New Team They’ll Coach

The wait is finally over. After months of speculation, cryptic interviews, and a seemingly conclusive Season 3 finale, the future of AFC Richmond is officially clearer. As of late 2025, the news that fans have been hoping for has been confirmed: Ted Lasso Season 4 is not only greenlit but has a core cast already locked in, with production expected to ramp up for a potential 2026 release.

This confirmation is a massive pivot from the narrative that Season 3 was the end of the story, or at least the end of Ted’s story. Now, with the show officially moving forward, the biggest question revolves around who from the beloved ensemble will be returning to the pitch, and what the surprising new direction for the team will be. The creative team and Apple TV+ have managed to secure options for many fan-favorite actors, setting the stage for a spectacular return to the world of positivity and biscuits.

The Confirmed and Expected Core Cast of Ted Lasso Season 4

The heart of Ted Lasso has always been its ensemble of deeply layered characters. While the show's structure initially suggested a wrap-up, contract negotiations and official announcements have secured the return of several key players. Here is the list of stars who are confirmed or strongly expected to reprise their roles for the fourth season, which is reportedly set to begin filming in early 2025 for a 2026 premiere.

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• Jason Sudeikis (Ted Lasso): The titular character and heart of the show is confirmed to return. Sudeikis has been the most vocal about the show's continuation, even offering a major plot hint about the new season.
• Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton): The formidable owner of AFC Richmond is expected to return. Her character's journey of self-discovery and leadership is central to the show's success, and her involvement was a key priority for the studio.
• Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent): The foul-mouthed, yet deeply caring, former captain and current coach is also confirmed. Goldstein is a co-creator and writer on the series, making his return a near certainty for any continuation.
• Juno Temple (Keeley Jones): The beloved PR mogul and partner to Roy Kent is expected back. Her professional and personal storylines have been a major focus, and her presence is vital for the show's emotional core.
• Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard): Ted's loyal, eccentric, and knowledgeable assistant coach is set to return. Hunt is also a co-creator, and his character's relationship with Jane and his role on the coaching staff are integral.
• Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins): The kind-hearted Director of Football Operations was reportedly part of the initial contract pickups, securing the return of the AFC Richmond management trio.
• Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt): While not explicitly named in every confirmation, the evolution of Jamie Tartt from arrogant star to team player is one of the show's best arcs, making his return highly probable, especially with the core cast secured.

The Shocking New Direction: Ted Lasso Coaches a Women's Team

The biggest and most unexpected twist for Ted Lasso Season 4 isn't just the fact that it's happening, but the dramatic shift in the narrative’s focus. Jason Sudeikis himself let slip a major plot detail during an interview: Ted Lasso will be coaching a women's team in the new season.

This revelation completely recontextualizes the show's future. The shift from AFC Richmond’s men's team to a women’s soccer team opens up a wealth of new storytelling opportunities and topical themes. The show has always excelled at tackling complex social issues with heart and humor, and moving to the world of women's professional sports will allow the writers to explore new dynamics, challenges, and triumphs.

The move also offers a compelling reason for Ted to return to the UK, or perhaps even for the show to introduce a new setting. The concept of an American coach bringing his unique brand of optimism to a high-stakes women's league, potentially even a professional women's soccer team in Kansas City or London, is a fresh premise that avoids simply repeating the "promotion/relegation" cycle of the first three seasons. This new plot direction is a clear sign that the creators are committed to a fresh and unique storyline, rather than a simple revival.

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Major Cast Question Marks: Will Nate Shelley Return?

While the core of the AFC Richmond family seems intact, the return of one of the show’s most complex and controversial characters remains a significant question mark: Nathan "Nate the Great" Shelley.

Nick Mohammed, the actor who plays Nate, has been notably coy about his involvement in Season 4. Following Nate's emotional arc—from the "Wonder Kid" kit man to the villainous coach of West Ham United and his eventual return to grace—his story felt complete by the Season 3 finale. The actor has neither confirmed nor denied his return, stating that the show's future is still being worked out.

The Nate Shelley Conundrum

Nate's character arc is arguably one of the most powerful in the series, exploring themes of insecurity, betrayal, and redemption. His return would be narratively complex, especially if the show focuses on a women's team. However, the emotional weight of a *Ted Lasso* continuation would feel incomplete without an update on Nate's life after his return to his family and his job at the local restaurant. Fans are desperate to see if Nate can truly find happiness and peace, or if his journey will continue to intersect with Roy Kent and Coach Beard.

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The ambiguity surrounding Nick Mohammed's casting is a deliberate move that adds to the anticipation for the new season. The writers may choose to feature him in a limited capacity, or perhaps his story will be resolved off-screen, allowing the new women's team narrative to take center stage.

The Future of AFC Richmond and Potential Spin-offs

The confirmation of Season 4 has largely put to rest the intense speculation about potential spin-offs, at least for the immediate future. For a time, rumors circulated about shows focusing on fan-favorite characters such as a Roy Kent and Keeley Jones series, a Coach Beard prequel, or a Rebecca Welton management drama.

However, with the core cast returning for a full fourth season, the focus is clearly on continuing the main narrative under a new premise. Juno Temple (Keeley) admitted that while "cogs are turning" for Season 4, an imminent spin-off has been ruled out.

This decision is a testament to the strength of the original ensemble. The creators understand that the magic of the show lies in the chemistry between the main cast members—Ted, Rebecca, Roy, and Beard—and separating them for a spin-off would dilute the show's unique charm. By keeping the main cast together and introducing the fresh, compelling concept of coaching a women's team, the creators are ensuring the show maintains its topical authority and emotional depth.

The new season will likely explore several key entities and themes, including the dynamics of women's professional soccer, the challenges of gender equality in sports, the continued development of mental health awareness through Ted’s journey, and the evolving relationships within the AFC Richmond family. With the return of the most beloved cast members and a genuinely unique new plot, Ted Lasso Season 4 is shaping up to be a triumphant and necessary return to television. Fans should prepare for more unforgettable moments, new life lessons, and, of course, plenty of delicious biscuits.