Goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-equalling performance to help Curacao secure their first-ever World Cup point.
Curacao made history by holding Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning the nation’s first point at football’s biggest tournament.
Veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room was the star of the match, making 15 saves to deny Ecuador repeatedly. The 37-year-old equalled the World Cup record for most saves in a single game, previously set by United States goalkeeper Tim Howard in 2014.
Ecuador dominated the contest and registered 27 attempts on goal, but Room stood firm throughout. He denied chances from Enner Valencia, Moises Caicedo, Gonzalo Plata, Pedro Vite and several others to preserve a famous clean sheet.
Curacao also created opportunities of their own, with Leandro Bacuna and Liviana Comenencia testing Ecuador’s defence, but neither side could find a breakthrough.
The result leaves Ecuador under pressure after taking just one point from their opening two matches and failing to score a goal. They must now beat group winners Germany in their final game to have a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stage.
Curacao, who suffered a 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening match, remain in contention and could qualify for the Round of 32 with a victory over Ivory Coast in their final group fixture.
Curacao’s historic draw keeps their World Cup dream alive, while Ecuador face a must-win clash against Germany.
