Men's Soccer Standouts Prepare for FIFA World Cup

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – A pair of former standout UNCW men's soccer players will take the world's biggest stage this summer when Hjalmar Ekdal and Austin MacPhee compete across North America in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ekdal, who spent the 2017 season with the Seahawks, is a defender on the Swedish national team that opens play against Tunisia on June 14 in Mexico. MacPhee, a UNCW midfielder from 1999-2002, begins his first World Cup as a member of Portugal's coaching staff on June 17 vs. DR Congo in Texas.

"Hjalmar and Austin have been outstanding ambassadors for UNCW Soccer throughout their professional careers," said UNCW head coach Aidan Heaney. "We're incredibly proud to see them represent Sweden and Portugal on the sport's biggest stage and look forward to cheering them on throughout the World Cup."

The 2017 CAA Rookie of the Year, Ekdal started all 20 games in his lone season in the Port City as a key member of a defensive unit that allowed one goal or less in 11 games. The All-CAA First Teamer also scored two goals and contributed an assist before turning pro at the end of the season.

Ekdal made his national team debut with Sweden in 2022 and currently plays for Burnley F.C. in the EFL Championship.

MacPhee played 41 games across three seasons for the Seahawks, including two years under the guidance of Heaney. The Kirkcaldy, Scotland, native scored six goals and collected three assists with UNCW, including a career-high four goals with two penalty kicks in 2002 while earning a degree in Psychology.

After a five-year professional playing career, MacPhee began a successful coaching career that has included stints on the national team coaching staff of Northern Ireland, his native Scotland and Portugal.

MacPhee is also the set-piece coach for Aston Villa F.C. in the Premier League.

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Men's Soccer Standouts Prepare for FIFA World Cup