2026 World Cup: Curaçao’s Eloy Room nears single-game saves record to force stunning 0-0 draw against Ecuador

For the second time this World Cup, a 0-0 draw has felt like a momentus win. Curaçao, the smallest nation to ever compete at the tournament, forced a scoreless tie against Ecuador against a generational performance from goalkeeper Eloy Room.

Room, the same keeper who allowed seven goals against Germany, put up the performance of a lifetime on Saturday: The goalie had 15 saves, just one short of the single-game saves record, keeping Ecuador scoreless despite a never-ending onslaught of shots from La Tri.

The performance puts Room in line with other legendary World Cup keepers. The single-game record of 16 saves was set by the United States’ Tim Howard in 2014, during a Round of 16 matchup against Belgium. Howard, however, was not able to keep the U.S. from losing that game 2-1; Room was able to hold the scoreline under extraordinary pressure.

Despite 28 total shots from Ecuador, including 15 on frame, Room and Curaçao held on for the draw, earning the debutante country its first-ever point at the World Cup.

It should be noted that most of Room’s saves were not particularly difficult: Many of Ecuador’s shots went straight into Room’s arms. Others, though, required more finesse, but Room continued to remain completely calm while fielding the ball.

Regardless, the sheer volume of chances should have been enough for Ecuador to score, potentially more than once. But Room never yielded.

This story will be updated.