Curacao make history with first World Cup point after 0–0 draw vs Ecuador
The result earned Curaçao their first-ever World Cup point, marking a major milestone for the debutant side, while Ecuador were left frustrated after failing to convert dominance into goals.
KATHMANDU: Curaçao secured a landmark moment in their football history after holding Ecuador to a 0–0 draw in a tightly contested FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match at the Kansas City Stadium, in front of 68,598 spectators.
The result earned Curaçao their first-ever World Cup point, marking a major milestone for the debutant side, while Ecuador were left frustrated after failing to convert dominance into goals.
Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a heroic performance, producing a record-equalling 15 saves in the match. The 37-year-old matched the long-standing FIFA World Cup record set by former United States goalkeeper Tim Howard, who also registered 15 saves against Belgium in 2014.
Room’s standout night began early when he denied a close-range effort from Ecuador captain Enner Valencia. He continued to frustrate Ecuador’s attacking line, stopping attempts from Moisés Caicedo, Kevin Rodríguez, Pedro Vite, Nilson Angulo, and Gonzalo Plata, among others.
Despite Ecuador registering 27 shots, they failed to find the net. The result adds to their struggles in the tournament, having also lost 1–0 to Ivory Coast in their opening match.
Curaçao also created key chances of their own, with Leandro Bacuna forcing a save in the second half, while another effort from Livano Comenencia narrowly missed the target.
For Ecuador, pressure is mounting on head coach Sebastián Beccacece as his side continues to struggle in front of goal, despite a generally solid defensive structure.
Curaçao, meanwhile, remain alive in the race for qualification. After a heavy 7–1 defeat to Germany in their opener, the draw keeps their knockout hopes intact. A win against Ivory Coast in their final group match could send them through to the Round of 32.
