Tiny Caribbean nation Curaçao secured the first World Cup point in its history after holding Ecuador to a goalless draw in their second Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Kansas City, Missouri.
The result marked a historic moment for the island nation of roughly 150,000 people, the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the World Cup finals. Curaçao had suffered a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opening game, but bounced back with a spirited defensive display to earn their maiden point on football’s biggest stage.
Veteran Dutch coach Dick Advocaat, who previously managed South Korea at the 2006 World Cup, guided Curaçao to its first-ever World Cup appearance and has now overseen one of the country’s greatest football achievements.
The standout performer was 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room, who produced a sensational display between the posts. The Miami FC shot-stopper made 15 saves to deny Ecuador repeatedly and preserve the clean sheet.
Ecuador dominated the encounter, firing 28 shots in total, with 15 on target according to FIFA statistics. However, Room proved unbeatable as Curaçao celebrated a result that will go down as one of the biggest moments in the nation’s sporting history.
