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 Westlake News
The story of a North Texas family hosting a future World Cup star has a ripple effect on local youth soccer programs in the Austin area, including those in Westlake. The Dallas Cup, where Hjalmar Ekdal was hosted, is one of the premier youth soccer tournaments in the country, and its success can inspire similar events in Travis County. As Ekdal takes the field in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, young soccer players in Westlake may be motivated to work towards their own international dreams, potentially leading to increased participation in local soccer leagues and programs. This, in turn, could lead to a surge in demand for improved soccer facilities and training resources in the area, presenting an opportunity for community investment and development. The connection between a small town in North Texas and the global stage of the World Cup can have a lasting impact on the local soccer community in Westlake.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News . Westlake 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 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
Get more Westlake News stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
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 Westlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Casey Stegall at FOX 7 Austin (KTBC) - News. To learn more about how Westlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Westlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter