Curaçao goalkeeper Elvy Rom shines in 0‑0 draw with Ecuador at World Cup 2026

In the Group E match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City, Curaçao held Ecuador to a 0‑0 draw, earning the tiny Caribbean nation its first point in the tournament. The result was largely due to veteran goalkeeper Elvy Rom, who made a series of decisive saves, denying Ecuador on numerous occasions despite the South American side registering 15 shots on target.

Ecuador entered the game with the expectation of scoring, fielding stars such as Enner Valencia and Moisés Caicedo, but Curaçao’s organized defense and Rom’s performance kept the score level. The draw places Curaçao, a country of fewer than 160,000 inhabitants, in a strong position as the group battle for the second qualifying spot intensifies.

The match was broadcast live in the region, with local networks providing live coverage for fans following the tournament.