FIFA World Cup 2026: Room heroics earn Curacao first-ever World Cup point against Ecuador

Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room was the hero in opposition to Ecuador on Saturday (June 20, 2026), maintaining out a barrage of photographs to assist the tiny Caribbean nation declare their first ever World Cup level in a goalless draw that retains alive their hopes of reaching the knockout section.

Ecuador, who completed second in South American qualifying, had 28 photographs, together with 15 on track however Room stood agency in an astonishing show in Kansas Metropolis.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Ecuador vs Curaçao Highlights

His 15 saves are probably the most on report, since 1966, by any goalkeeper a World Cup match that didn’t function extra-time.

World Cup debutants Curacao, the smallest nation by inhabitants ever to qualify for the tournaments, slumped to a 7-1 defeat in opposition to Germany of their opening match however restored pleasure within the American Midwest.

Ecuador followers turned the Arrowhead Stadium, the house of NFL crew Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, yellow, massively outnumbering supporters of Curacao.

However Curacao had royalty on their aspect within the type of Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima. The island is an autonomous nation inside the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Out of their 26-strong squad, managed by vastly skilled Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, 25 have been born within the Netherlands, and most play their soccer there.

The match began at a fizzing tempo.

Ecuador appeared sure to open the scoring within the third minute when former West Ham ahead Enner Valencia burst by way of the center however Room tipped the ball across the publish.

Sherel Floranus fired over on the different finish as Curacao confirmed their tempo on the break.

Valencia didn’t beat Room from shut vary earlier than Jordy Alcivar had an effort as Ecuador continued to dominate possession.

The South American crew ended the primary half with 65 % of possession however nothing to indicate for his or her dominance.

They went near breaking the impasse simply earlier than the hour mark however Room saved out a Gonzala Plata header, earlier than a flurry of Curacao probabilities.

Ecuador, greater than 50 locations increased than Curacao within the FIFA rankings, regarded more and more frazzled as they pressed for a objective.

Because the match neared its finish, probabilities continued to come back thick and quick however Room stood agency.

Ecuador substitute Angelo Preciado mishit a cross that bounced off the highest of the crossbar and went behind.

The Curacao gamers swarmed round Room on the finish of the match, celebrating a unprecedented level.

Earlier, four-time champions Germany got here from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 in Toronto, guaranteeing their qualification for the spherical of 32. Curacao’s draw ensures Germany will prime the group.

Ecuador will play Germany on Thursday whereas Curacao tackle Ivory Coast.