local
How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW)
· June 20, 2026
· 1 min read
A North Texas family from Rowlett is cheering on Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, over a decade after hosting the soccer star in their home during the local Dallas Cup youth tournament.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The connection between a Rowlett family and Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal is a testament to the Dallas Cup's enduring impact on the local community. For years, the tournament has brought together young athletes from around the world, fostering international friendships and competition. As a result, North Texas families have played host to numerous future soccer stars, providing a unique cultural exchange experience. The fact that a family from Rowlett can now claim a personal connection to a World Cup competitor speaks to the tournament's ability to transcend borders and forge lasting bonds. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, local residents can take pride in knowing that their community has contributed to the development of international soccer talent, with the Dallas Cup serving as a catalyst for these relationships. This personal connection also underscores the tournament's value to the local community, extending beyond the pitch to create lasting memories and friendships.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A North Texas family from Rowlett is cheering on Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, over a decade after hosting the soccer star in their home during the local Dallas Cup youth tournament.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 20, 2026 by FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW). To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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