Curacao goalkeeper makes 15 saves for historic first World Cup point against Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a stunning performance with 15 saves to secure a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, June 20, 2026—earning the Caribbean nation their first-ever World Cup point. Room's tally is the most saves by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match since 1966 in regular time, falling just short of Tim Howard's 16-save record from 2014 that included extra-time.
This historic achievement comes days after Curacao's 7-1 defeat to Germany on their World Cup debut. The team showed remarkable resilience against Ecuador, who finished second in South American qualifying behind Argentina. Room's crucial saves, particularly denying Enner Valencia early, kept Curacao's knockout stage hopes alive.
At just 160,000 people, Curacao is the smallest country ever to qualify for a World Cup—smaller than Saturday's attendance of 68,598. Netherlands-born Room, who plays for Miami FC in the US second tier, joked about deserving a statue back home. The match was attended by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, who celebrated with the team afterward.
With Germany guaranteed to top Group E, Curacao, Ecuador, and Ivory Coast compete for the second knockout spot. Room's heroics prove that with determination, anything is possible on football's biggest stage.
Can a goalkeeper's individual brilliance inspire a nation smaller than a World Cup stadium crowd?