Curacao secure first World Cup point in 0-0 draw against Ecuador

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Curacao’s goalkeeper #01 Eloy Room makes a save past Ecuador’s forward #13 Enner Valencia during the 2026 World Cup Group E football match between Ecuador and Curacao at the Kansas City Stadium in Kansas City on June 20, 2026. (Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP)

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Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero on Saturday as the tiny Caribbean island claimed its first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against toothless Ecuador.

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Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying, had 28 shots, including 15 on target, in Kansas City but Room stood firm in an astonishing display.

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The 0-0 draw in Group E keeps alive Curacao’s hopes of reaching the knockout phase, extending their fairytale journey at their first World Cup.

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The tiny country — the smallest by population ever to play on football’s biggest stage — have Miami FC goalkeeper Room to thank for their point against Ecuador.

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Room’s 15 saves are the most on record — since 1966 — by any goalkeeper at a World Cup match that did not feature extra-time.

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The draw in the American Midwest restored pride after a 7-1 mauling by Germany in their opening match.

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“History! Our first ever point at the @fifaworldcup,” Curacao posted on X.

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“I still have to process it myself,” said Room. “The match was full of emotions. I knew it was going to be a tough match.

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“There were lots of saves, but I think after the first save, the tone was put in place, also for the team. It gave me confidence, and I grew. We all grew, and this was a team effort.

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“We were fighting up to the last minute. Earning a point this way for Curacao is absolutely great.”

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– Royal backing –

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Ecuador fans turned the Arrowhead Stadium, the home of NFL team Kansas City Chiefs, yellow, hugely outnumbering supporters of Curacao.

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But Curacao had royalty on their side in the form of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

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Out of their 26-strong squad, managed by vastly experienced Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 were born in the Netherlands, and many play their football there.

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The match started at a fizzing pace.

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Ecuador seemed certain to open the scoring in the third minute when former West Ham forward Enner Valencia burst through the middle but Room tipped the ball around the post.

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Sherel Floranus fired over at the other end as Curacao showed their pace on the break.

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Ecuador captain Valencia failed to beat Room from close range before Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate.

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The South American team ended the first half with 65 percent of possession but nothing to show for their dominance.

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They went close to breaking the deadlock just before the hour mark but Room kept out a Gonzalo Plata header, before a flurry of Curacao chances.

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Ecuador, more than 50 places higher than their opponents in the FIFA rankings, looked increasingly frazzled as they pressed for an opener.

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They continued to pour forward and rained shots on Room’s goal but he stood firm.

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Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that bounced off the top of the crossbar and went behind in the final minutes.

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The Curacao players swarmed around goalkeeper Room at the end of the match, celebrating an extraordinary point.

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Ecuador have yet to score in two games at the World Cup after netting just 14 goals in 18 qualifying matches.

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“There are things you cannot explain in football,” said Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece.

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“We wanted to win, we didn’t do it. I am the one who is responsible and I’ve told my team, if I see that you are giving it all competing, I have no complaints. No one wants to miss out on scoring.”

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Earlier, four-time champions Germany came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, sealing their qualification for the round of 32. Curacao’s draw ensures Germany will top the group.

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Ecuador will play Germany on Thursday while Curacao take on Ivory Coast, with all of the teams in Group E still alive in the competition.

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