Curaçao earns first World Cup point with 0‑0 draw against Ecuador

Curaçao secured its inaugural World Cup point when it held Ecuador to a goalless draw in the Group 5 match at Kansas City on 21 June 2026. The Caribbean side’s goalkeeper, Elroy Rom, made 15 saves, coming within one of the tournament record for most saves in a single game. The result left Curaçao on four points, level with Ecuador, while Germany topped the group with six points.

The draw was celebrated by members of the Dutch royal family, with King Willem‑Alexander, Queen Máxima and their daughter visiting the Curaçao dressing room after the match, underscoring the island’s status as a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The point keeps Curaçao’s hopes alive for a knockout‑stage qualification as they prepare for their final group match against Ivory Coast.

Ecuador also earned a point, moving to third place in the group behind Germany and Ivory Coast. The match featured a total of 18 shots on target, the highest for a single World Cup game since 1966 without a goal.