local
How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth)
· 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 Denton News
The story of a Rowlett family hosting a future World Cup star has interesting implications for Denton 's own approach to fostering international connections through youth sports. While the family in question is from Rowlett, the Dallas Cup's reach extends throughout the North Texas region, including Denton. This tournament has a long history of bringing talented young players from around the world to the area, providing a unique opportunity for local families to engage with different cultures. As Denton continues to grow and develop its own recreational and competitive sports programs, it may be worth exploring ways to leverage events like the Dallas Cup to build relationships with international athletes and teams, potentially leading to similar stories of local families hosting future sports stars. This could not only enhance the city's reputation as a welcoming and sports-friendly community but also provide valuable cultural exchange opportunities for residents.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Denton 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 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) ·
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 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth) and curated for Denton News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 4 KDFW (Dallas-Fort Worth). To learn more about how Denton News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Denton News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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