Eloy Room's 15 saves earn Curacao first World Cup point in 0‑0 draw with Ecuador

In Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday 20 June 2026, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves to secure a 0‑0 draw against heavily favoured Ecuador in World Cup Group E, earning the tiny island its first World Cup point. Room's 15 saves fell just short of the official record of 16 saves, set by Tim Howard against Belgium in 2014. Saves have been recorded as an official statistic since 1966. Germany's 2‑1 victory over Ivory Coast earlier that day secured the group for the Europeans. Deniz Undav’s stoppage‑time goal provided the winning margin. The result allowed Germany to clinch Group E.

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Among the spectators were Kansas City Royals players Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez and Starling Marte. The stadium was packed with Ecuador fans in bright yellow shirts, resembling a convention of Minions. The venue could accommodate roughly half of Curacao's entire citizenry. Ecuador’s opening chance came from Enner Valencia, whose shot was denied by Room’s dive to the left. Later, Valencia’s header was knocked wide, and Moises Caicedo forced another spectacular save early in the second half.

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Seventy‑eight‑year‑old coach Dick Advocaat guided Curacao, whose attacks found seams through the Ecuador defence but failed to convert. The 0‑0 draw does not eliminate either side, leaving Ecuador needing a result in its final group game against Germany in New York, while Curacao will meet Ivory Coast in Philadelphia. The match was played at the stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs.