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How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News
· 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 Frisco News
The connection between a Rowlett family and Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal is a testament to the impact of the Dallas Cup youth tournament on the local community. By hosting international players like Ekdal, North Texas families are not only providing a temporary home, but also fostering cultural exchange and potentially lifelong relationships. The fact that Ekdal has gone on to become a World Cup star is a source of pride for the family and the region, highlighting the role that the Dallas Cup plays in showcasing local hospitality and promoting the development of young athletes. As the World Cup unfolds, local soccer enthusiasts will be watching Ekdal's performance with particular interest, knowing that he has a personal connection to the area. This story also underscores the value of community-based initiatives like the Dallas Cup, which bring people together and create lasting memories.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News . Frisco 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 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News ·
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) - News and curated for Frisco News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth (KDFW) - News. To learn more about how Frisco News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Frisco News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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