Curacao produced one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after battling to a dramatic goalless draw against Ecuador in their Group E clash at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday morning.
The Caribbean side earned their first-ever World Cup point thanks to an unforgettable performance from veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room, who delivered a record-breaking display between the posts.
Room, 37, made an astonishing 15 saves during the match, the highest number recorded by a goalkeeper in a regular 90-minute World Cup game since records began in 1966.
Despite being heavily outplayed, Curacao stood firm throughout the contest. Ecuador dominated possession, created wave after wave of attacks, and fired 27 shots with an expected goals (xG) tally of 3.05, but could not find a breakthrough.
Ecuador captain Enner Valencia endured a frustrating outing, registering seven attempts on goal but repeatedly being denied by the inspired Curacao goalkeeper. One of Room’s standout moments came as early as the third minute when he stopped Valencia in a one-on-one situation before later pushing away a close-range header from Gonzalo Plata.
Curacao entered the match under pressure following their heavy 7–1 defeat to Germany in their opening fixture, but the world’s 81st-ranked team showed resilience to keep their tournament hopes alive.
The result leaves Ecuador in a difficult position. After suffering a 1–0 loss to Ivory Coast in their opening match and now settling for a draw, they have only one point from two games and must defeat group leaders Germany in their final match to stand any chance of reaching the knockout stage.
For Curacao, qualification remains possible. Victory against Ivory Coast in their final Group E encounter could see them complete a remarkable journey into the next round.
The result will also be remembered for Room’s historic achievement, surpassing the previous 90-minute World Cup save record of 14 set by Peru goalkeeper Ramon Quiroga against the Netherlands in 1978.