Adam Booker·21 June 2026

Curaçao goalkeeper makes legendary World Cup history 🧤

It's been a tournament to remember for goalkeepers from the smaller nations. After Cabo Verde's Vozinha went viral for his stunning performance against Spain last week, we've got a new name in the spotlight.

Step up to the podium, Curaçao's Eloy Room. The veteran shot-stopper put on a show in a shock draw with Ecuador Saturday evening in Kansas City, and made World Cup history in the process.

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Room, who plays in American lower-league USL Championship for Miami FC, stepped up to make 15 saves against Ecuador in a heroic performance between the sticks.

That tally saves sets a new record the most on record (since 1966) by any goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup match that did not feature extra-time.

15 - Curaçao's Eloy Room recorded 15 saves against Ecuador, the most on record (since 1966) by any goalkeeper in a FIFA World Cup match that did not feature extra-time. Wave. – Sunday, 21 June 2026

United States keeper Tim Howard made 16 against Belgium in the round-of-16 clash back in 2014, but he needed 30 minutes of extra time to achieve that feat. 

Room nearly caught Howard in just 90 minutes Saturday evening, throwing himself into the spotlight as one of the great stories during this summer tournament. 

Let's not forget he conceded seven just last week in the tournament opener against Germany. What a turnaround. 

What's more, those saves helped Curaçao earn their first-ever World Cup point!

What a night for Dick Advocaat's side.

📸 JUAN MABROMATA - AFP or licensors

  • Ecuador
  • Curaçao
  • Miami FC
  • FIFA World Cup™
  • Eloy Room

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Source: Onefootball.com