Curaçao keeper Eloy Room sets World Cup record with 15 saves, earns team’s first point

In the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage in Kansas City, the Caribbean nation of Curaçao, with a population of about 156,000, drew 0‑0 against Ecuador. The result gave Curaçao its first ever World Cup point.

Curaçao’s 37‑year‑old goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in regular time, the highest number recorded in a World Cup match not involving extra time since records began, surpassing the 13 saves by Peru’s Ramón in 1978. Ecuador registered 28 shots, 15 on target and an expected‑goals value of 3.08, but none found the net.

Room, who plays for Miami FC, joked that Curaçao should erect a statue in his honour. The match was attended by Dutch King Willem‑Alexander and Queen Máxima, who later celebrated with the team. After a 1‑7 loss to Germany in their opening match, Curaçao still hopes to progress to the knockout round.