local
How a Rowlett family ended up hosting a future World Cup star
By Casey Stegall at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - 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 The Barton Creek
The story of a North Texas family hosting a future World Cup star has a direct connection to the vibrant youth soccer scene in the Austin area, including communities like Barton Creek . The Dallas Cup, where the family first met Hjalmar Ekdal, is a prominent youth tournament that draws teams from around the world, and its success has inspired similar events in the Austin region. As a result, local families in Barton Creek and surrounding areas have opportunities to host young athletes from diverse backgrounds, fostering cultural exchange and a deeper appreciation for the sport. This exchange can also lead to lasting bonds, as seen in the Rowlett family's continued support for Ekdal, and may inspire local youth to pursue their own soccer aspirations, potentially leading to future international competitions.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . The Barton Creek 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 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 20, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - 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 7 Austin (KTBC) - News and curated for The Barton Creek readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how The Barton Creek selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Barton Creek, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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