The 2026 World Cup is quickly becoming a showcase of new records set by debutant teams. Hot on the heels of celebrating Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, Curaçao’s Eloy Room has shown that debutants are not to be underestimated. Room delivered a heroic performance, making a record-tying 15 saves to help Curaçao secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup point in a dramatic 0-0 draw against Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. This historic defensive stand not only earned Curaçao their inaugural point on football’s biggest stage but also keeps their knockout stage hopes alive.
“I think I need a statue in Curaçao,” joked goalkeeper Eloy Room after his heroic performance on Saturday, helping the tiny Caribbean island of less than 200,000 people secure its first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against Ecuador. “It feels like a victory … it’s unreal, unreal,” Room shared, capturing both the pride and disbelief of a nation celebrating a truly historic achievement on football’s biggest stage.
Eloy Room’s brilliant performance earned him the FIFA Man of the Match Award, with the most saves ever recorded in 90 minutes at the World Cup. With his remarkable 15 saves, the 37-year-old goalkeeper becomes only the second keeper in history to achieve this feat in a World Cup match. The all-time record is held by Tim Howard, who made 16 saves for the USA in their 1-2 loss to Belgium during the Round of 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Eloy’s outstanding performance also made him the first Curaçaoan ever to be named Player of the Match in a FIFA World Cup. As the tournament progresses, Curaçao now faces a crucial final Group E match against African side Ivory Coast, where a victory would secure their spot in the coveted knockout round of 32.
