The 2026 FIFA World Cup is turning into a tournament of goalkeepers after Curaçao’s Eloy Room became the latest goalie to steal the spotlight following his impressive performance in the second Group E match against Ecuador on Sunday.

Room produced a remarkable display, making a record-equalling 15 saves as Curacao, the smallest country to participate in the World Cup, held Ecuador to a goalless draw, securing their first-ever point in the competition.

The Miami FC goalkeeper set the tone for the match in the third minute when he stopped Enner Valencia’s breakaway before denying the forward’s golden opportunity in the 20th minute.

He maintained the momentum in the second half, stopping close-range shots from the frustrated Ecuadorians, who were searching for a goal, including attempts by Gonzalo Plata in the 59th minute, Valencia again in the 65th and substitute Kevin Rodríguez in the 66th.

United States’ Tim Howard held the record for the most saves by a goalkeeper in a World Cup match during a game against Belgium in 2014. However, Howard conceded twice in extra time, unlike Room, who kept a clean sheet in 90 minutes.

Room’s masterclass followed the heroic outing of Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha in the West African country’s historic goalless draw against Spain last week.

Speaking after the match, Room said the memories of the game would remain with him forever and credited the team’s performance to the collective effort of the players.

“It’s going to be an insane memory. You don’t think about it when you do it, but of course, it’s going to be something you look back on. For me, as a goalkeeper, this is almost a perfect game,” Room stated.

He added, “A little bit annoyed that I don’t have the record from Tim Howard, but I think he was sweating in front of the TV because I was close. But no, it’s unbelievable. And I cannot do it alone. I did it with the team, my defenders, the midfielders, and the strikers. We did it as a team.”