local
How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — 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 Flower Mound News
The story of a Rowlett family hosting a future World Cup star has a direct connection to the thriving youth soccer scene in the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, which Flower Mound is a part of. The Dallas Cup, where the family first met Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal, is a prestigious youth tournament that attracts teams from around the world, and its presence in the area speaks to the region's strong soccer roots. As a community surrounded by the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, Flower Mound residents often participate in and support local soccer initiatives, including those offered by the Lewisville Independent School District. The fact that a family from a neighboring town had a chance to host an international player and watch him grow into a World Cup athlete showcases the opportunities that exist for local families to engage with the global soccer community.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News . Flower Mound 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 (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — 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 (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News and curated for Flower Mound News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 4 News (KDFW, Dallas-Fort Worth) — News. To learn more about how Flower Mound News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Flower Mound News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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