A family from Rowlett, Texas, is proudly supporting Swedish defender Hjalmar Ekdal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decade after they welcomed him into their home during the Dallas Cup youth tournament.
The Blue family recalls the joy of introducing the young athlete to Texan culture, including iconic dually trucks, mouthwatering barbecue, and backyard baseball games. As Sweden prepares to face the Netherlands in Houston this Saturday, followed by a match against Japan at Dallas Stadium on Thursday, the Blues reflect on their unique connection to this rising soccer star.
The Journey from Dallas Cup to World Cup
In 2014, the Dallas Cup, an esteemed international youth soccer tournament, attracted top teenage players from around the globe, many of whom stayed with local families, including the Blues. During this brief visit, Hjalmar Ekdal, then a teenage athlete, began his journey toward becoming a prominent figure in soccer.
Ryan Blue, a soccer player himself at the time, fondly remembers the experience of hosting Ekdal and his teammates. “They were so much fun and just so lively all the time,” he shared. The Swedish visitors were particularly captivated by the large Texas trucks, having never seen anything like them before. “They loved the barbecue too,” Ryan added with a smile.
While food was a simple way to bond, language proved to be more challenging. Soccer may have brought them together, but it wasn’t the only activity in the Blue family’s yard. “We definitely brought out the pitching machine. They wanted to try it out. I had an old bat and an old helmet, and they threw it on,” Ryan recalled.
Now, as they witness Ekdal shine on the global stage, Ryan expresses his excitement. “It’s really cool to see him on TV, for sure. I mean, he looks exactly the same as he did when he was 16,” he noted.
Cheering from Home
Bryan Blue, Ryan’s father, reminisces about the early signs of Ekdal’s talent. “Even back then, the other players saw something special. They were like, ‘Oh, he’s going to be good, he’s going to be on the National Team someday,'” he said.
Although the family has lost contact over the years, they remain enthusiastic supporters of Sweden from their living room in Rowlett. “Couldn’t get tickets, but we’ll definitely be watching from here,” said Ryan, excited to see how far Ekdal will go in his World Cup journey.
The Blues also remember how their Swedish visitors were amazed by the vastness of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a sentiment often shared by international travelers. This experience reinforces the saying that everything is indeed bigger in Texas.
Upcoming Matches for Sweden
Sweden kicked off their group play with a victory over Tunisia last weekend in Monterrey. Their upcoming matches include a clash with the Netherlands in Houston this Saturday, followed by a game against Japan next Thursday at Dallas Stadium.
