local
How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News 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 The Trophy Club
The connection between a Rowlett family and Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal is a testament to the Dallas Cup's ability to bring international talent to the North Texas area. For over a decade, the Dallas Cup has been a staple of local youth soccer, attracting top teams from around the world to compete in the region. The tournament's presence has not only provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills but also fostered cultural exchange and community engagement. As Ekdal takes the field at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his ties to the Rowlett family serve as a reminder of the tournament's lasting impact on the local community. The family's experience hosting Ekdal during his participation in the Dallas Cup has likely given them a unique perspective on the sport and its global reach, one that they can now appreciate as they watch him compete on the world stage.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . The Trophy Club 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 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 News 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 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) and curated for The Trophy Club readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW). To learn more about how The Trophy Club selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Trophy Club, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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