Curacao Goalkeeper Room Makes Historic 15 Saves in 0-0 World Cup Draw
In a 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match, Curacao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw, earning their first-ever World Cup point. Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made a record-tying 15 saves, the most in a non-extra-time World Cup match since 1966, matching Tim Howard’s disputed record. Ecuador set an unwanted record with 15 shots on target without scoring. Room’s performance drew global attention, boosting his social media following.
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Eloy Room: Curaçao's Record-Breaking Goalkeeper in World Cup Qualifiers
Eloy Room, the 37-year-old goalkeeper for the Curaçao national team, made history on Saturday, June 20, 2026, by recording 15 saves in a World Cup match against Ecuador. This performance helped Curaçao secure their first World Cup point. Room has now played 40 matches for Curaçao since his debut in 2015. Born in Nijmegen, Netherlands, he spent most of his early career in the Dutch Eredivisie, with standout seasons in 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. He moved to the United States in 2019 to join Columbus Crew in MLS, winning the MLS Cup in 2020 and again in 2023 after his departure. After short stints with Vitesse in the Netherlands and Cercle Brugge in Belgium, Room currently plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship, where he has posted four clean sheets in nine matches. Curaçao next faces Ivory Coast, seeking their first World Cup win.
Yardbarker: SoccerCuraçao Goalkeeper Room Sets World Cup Saves Record, Instagram Followers Surpass 1 Million
On June 22, Curaçao held Ecuador to a 0-0 draw in a World Cup group stage match. Goalkeeper Room delivered a historic performance, making 15 saves—the most by any goalkeeper in a 90-minute World Cup match. The performance drew massive public attention, leading to a surge in his Instagram followers. Before the match, Room had fewer than 65,000 followers, but that number has since skyrocketed to 1.064 million, gaining over a million followers. Room later posted a photo gallery from the match on his social media. The news, sourced from Instagram and reported by Hupu Soccer, highlights the viral impact of sports excellence in the digital age.
虎扑 - 足球The Sun Profiles Curaçao Goalkeeper Room's Wife After Record-Breaking World Cup Performance
During the ongoing World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Curaçao goalkeeper Room made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador, tying the single-match World Cup saves record previously held by American goalkeeper Tim Howard. The Sun published an article introducing Room's wife, Zorana, a Serbian influencer and YouTuber who married Room in February. Zorana used social media to celebrate her husband's achievement and publicly respond to Howard, who had earlier claimed Curaçao would be 'hammered' and concede at least 20 goals in the expanded tournament. Zorana posted a ChatGPT screenshot showing Howard's own 15-save record, captioning it with a message about taking his record. During the match, she sat among Ecuadorian fans and described feeling like she was having a heart attack. Her social media features both support for her husband and glamorous lifestyle content.
虎扑 - 足球Curacao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Reflects on Record-Breaking 15-Save Performance vs Ecuador
After a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the World Cup in Kansas City, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room spoke at the press conference. Room made 15 saves, the second-most by a goalkeeper in a single World Cup match, coming close to Tim Howard's record of 16. He credited his first save for setting the tone and dedicated the performance to his late friend 'Peter.' Room also described meeting Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, who visited the locker room and danced with the team. He expressed pride in earning Curacao's first World Cup point and called the stadium atmosphere legendary, noting Messi's previous performance there. Room emphasized the team effort behind the result.
虎扑 - 足球Curacao veteran Eloy Room sets World Cup save record in heroic performance against Ecuador
During the 2026 World Cup, Curacao earned their first ever tournament result with a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Veteran goalkeeper Eloy Room, aged 37, made 15 saves in the match, setting a World Cup record for the most saves in a 90-minute match (without extra time) since record-keeping began in 1966. The previous record of 16 saves by Tim Howard in 2014 included extra time. Curacao, a Caribbean island nation with a population of 98,000, is competing in its first World Cup after qualifying from the Concacaf region under former Rangers and Netherlands manager Dick Advocaat. Room, who plays for Miami FC and has previously featured for PSV Eindhoven and Vitesse Arnhem, qualifies for Curacao through his father.
CaughtOffsideEloy Room: 'I Deserve a Statue Now in Curaçao' After Heroic Performance Against Ecuador
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Curaçao earned its first-ever World Cup point with a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador. Goalkeeper Eloy Room, 37, played the game of his life, making 15 saves — the second-highest in World Cup history behind Tim Howard's 16. Room's performance included a kiss with Dutch Queen Máxima during a locker-room celebration with King Willem-Alexander. Room, who chose to represent Curaçao over the Netherlands 11 years ago, now demands a statue on the island. His Instagram followers soared from 90,000 to 746,000. Veteran coach Dick Advocaat, 78, praised the team's joy. Room now has jerseys from both Manuel Neuer and Lionel Messi. Curaçao still has a chance to advance with a win against Ivory Coast.
Nachrichten - WELTEloy Room's Heroic Performance Leads Curacao to Historic World Cup Draw
Eloy Room, a 37-year-old goalkeeper who spent much of the previous year without a club and training alone, became a national hero for Curacao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a Group stage match against Ecuador at Arrowhead Stadium, Room made 15 saves, equaling Tim Howard's World Cup record for most saves in a single match, securing a 0-0 draw for Curacao—the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament. Room, who switched allegiance from the Netherlands to Curacao in 2015, described the performance as 'the greatest night of my career.' The draw was celebrated in the dressing room with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Room's journey from training alone to World Cup hero reflects the broader underdog story of Curacao, a country with a population of just over 150,000.
Soccer - The AthleticEloy Room spent last year training alone. Now he’s Curacao’s World Cup hero
Eloy Room, the 37-year-old goalkeeper for Curacao, delivered a historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making 15 saves in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. This equaled Tim Howard's single-match World Cup record. Room, who spent much of the previous year without a club and training alone, was the hero for Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament. After the match, Room and his teammates celebrated in the dressing room with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. Room, who previously represented the Netherlands at youth level, switched allegiance to Curacao in 2015 and has been instrumental in their rise through CONCACAF qualifying.
Soccer - The Athletic2026 World Cup: Curaçao's 37-Year-Old Goalkeeper Eloy Room Earns Historic Draw Against Ecuador
Curaçao, a small Caribbean island with 160,000 inhabitants, achieved a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup, earning its first-ever point in the tournament. The result was largely credited to 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room, who made 15 saves—a feat not seen in the World Cup since Tim Howard's performance for the USA in 2014. Room, who spent most of his career in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem and PSV Eindhoven, now plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship. After the match, Room humorously requested a statue in Curaçao. His Instagram followers skyrocketed from 90,000 to over 800,000 overnight. The island, with only 3,500-4,000 registered football players, hopes to ride this wave of success.
Home Football - actualitésCuracao Goalkeeper Eloy Room Sets 60-Year World Cup Saves Record in Ecuador Draw
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room, aged 37, made 15 saves in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City, breaking a 60-year-old record for the most saves in a non-extra-time World Cup match since 1966. The performance secured Curacao's first-ever World Cup point. OptaJoe confirmed the record, noting Room stopped all 15 shots on target. The previous benchmark was Tim Howard's 16 saves for the USA against Belgium in 2014, but that match included extra time. Room's clean sheet came after Curacao's heavy opening defeat to Germany, transforming their tournament outlook.
Yardbarker: SoccerEloy Room's 15 saves earn Curacao historic draw with Ecuador at 2026 World Cup
Goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves to help debutants Curacao secure a 0-0 draw with Ecuador in Group E of the 2026 World Cup, earning their first-ever point in the tournament. Room fell one save short of Tim Howard's World Cup record of 16 saves, set in 2014. Despite Ecuador's dominance with 15 shots on target, Room's performance earned him FIFA's Man of the Match award. Curacao, the smallest nation by population and area in the finals, bounced back from a 7-1 loss to Germany. Room, a 37-year-old Miami FC player who switched allegiance from the Netherlands to Curacao, called it his best game. The result leaves Curacao with one point, needing a win against Ivory Coast in the final group game to advance.
Record2026 World Cup: Eloy Room, the Illustrious Unknown Who Shocked the Planet
Curacao achieved a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup, earning their first point in tournament history. The feat was largely credited to goalkeeper Eloy Room, who made 15 saves—a World Cup record for a single match. At 37 years old, the Dutch-born player had a difficult start in the tournament against Germany (7-1 loss) but rebounded spectacularly. Room, who has experience in the Eredivisie with Vitesse Arnhem and PSV, was recently playing for Miami FC in the USL League One after months of unemployment. His performance has drawn comparisons to Cape Verdean goalkeeper Vozinha, and his Instagram following surged from under 100,000 to nearly 800,000. Curacao faces Ivory Coast next with a chance to reach the Round of 32.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertCuracao goalkeeper Eloy Room jokes he deserves a statue after World Cup heroics
Curacao's 37-year-old goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a historic performance in a 0-0 World Cup draw against Ecuador on June 20, 2026, making 15 saves — the most by any goalkeeper in a World Cup match without extra time since records began in 1966. The result earned Curacao, the smallest nation ever to qualify for a World Cup (population ~160,000), its first ever World Cup point. Room, who plays for Miami FC in the US second tier, jokingly said he deserves a statue on the island after his heroics. He narrowly missed Tim Howard's record of 16 saves (set in 2014 with extra time). Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, wearing a Curacao shirt, celebrated with the team in the dressing room. Coach Dick Advocaat praised his team's fighting spirit after a 7-1 opening defeat to Germany.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room goes viral after record-tying World Cup performance
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room, 37, became a viral sensation after making 15 saves against Ecuador in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E match, tying Tim Howard's record for most saves in a single World Cup match. Despite Ecuador dominating with 26 shots (15 on target), the match ended in a draw, with Room earning FIFA Man of the Match. His heroics sparked an Instagram follower surge from 100,000 to over 760,000 overnight. Room, who plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship, joked about wanting a statue in Curacao while expressing pride in his performance. The result gave Curacao, a nation of 150,000 people, their first World Cup points.
Mirror - FootballCuracao keeper Eloy Room delivers 'unbelievable' performance vs. Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves in a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup, earning the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament its first-ever World Cup point. Room's performance is the most saves in a World Cup match by a goalkeeper who kept a clean sheet, surpassing Tim Howard's 16-save record in terms of 90-minute matches. Room, a 37-year-old Netherlands native who plays for Miami FC in the USL Championship, jokingly said he hoped Howard was 'sweating' watching the game. Curacao now has a chance to advance to the knockout stage if they beat Ivory Coast on June 25.
Yardbarker: SoccerWho is Eloy Room, the Curaçao Goalkeeper Who Made World Cup History Against Ecuador?
Eloy Room, a 37-year-old Curaçao goalkeeper, became an unlikely World Cup hero by making a record 15 saves in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador. This result earned Curaçao its first-ever point in the competition. Room, who has 72 caps for Curaçao due to his father's heritage, previously played for Netherlands' youth teams. His club career includes stints at Vitesse Arnhem, where he won the KNVB Cup, PSV Eindhoven (Dutch champion), Columbus Crew (MLS Cup winner), and currently Miami FC in the US second division. His Instagram followers surged from 112,000 to over 700,000 after the match. The draw keeps Curaçao's hopes of a historic Round of 16 qualification alive against Ivory Coast.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuCuracao goalkeeper Room honors late teammate Peters with T-shirt tribute after historic World Cup draw
In a Group E match of the 2022 World Cup, Curacao achieved a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador, earning their first-ever World Cup point. Goalkeeper Room was instrumental, making 15 saves to keep a clean sheet. After the match, Room displayed a commemorative T-shirt honoring his former national teammate Jairzinho Peters, who died of cardiac arrest in 2019 at age 31 while traveling with the team in Haiti for the CONCACAF Nations League. The tribute highlighted the team's enduring memory of Peters, who did not live to see Curacao reach the World Cup. The match and gesture were widely covered, with the story originating from vg.no and published on Hupu Soccer, a Chinese sports platform.
虎扑 - 足球Eloy Room Equals Saves Record as Curacao Earn First World Cup Point
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a record-equalling performance with 15 saves to help his tiny island nation secure a historic 0-0 draw against Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup. This marked Curacao's first-ever point in a World Cup tournament, coming after a heavy 7-1 defeat to Germany in their opener. The 37-year-old Miami FC keeper matched Tim Howard's record for most saves in a regulation World Cup match (since records began in 1966), but unlike Howard, Room kept a clean sheet. Room's key early save against Enner Valencia set the tone, and he faced 27 total shots from Ecuador, who had an expected goals (xG) of 3.05. The result was celebrated as Curacao's biggest-ever football achievement. Room, Dutch-born and playing for the country of his father, previously helped Curacao qualify for the World Cup with a crucial save in a playoff against Jamaica.
BBC SportRecord-Equalling Keeper Eloy Room Helps Curaçao Secure First World Cup Point
Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room produced a historic performance, making a record-equalling 15 saves to help his tiny island nation earn their first-ever World Cup point in a goalless draw against Ecuador at the 2026 tournament. The 37-year-old Miami FC keeper matched Tim Howard's saves record from 2014 but kept a clean sheet, unlike Howard. Room's crucial early save on Enner Valencia set the tone, and he withstood 27 total shots (3.05 xG) from Ecuador. The result is Curaçao's biggest football achievement, coming after a heavy 7-1 loss to Germany in their opening match. Room, born in the Netherlands and qualifying through his father, was convinced by former manager Patrick Kluivert to represent Curaçao. The draw was celebrated as a victory for the debutants, with BBC pundit Martin Keown calling the performance 'absolutely magnificent'.
BBC SportCuracao goalkeeper Eloy Room equals World Cup saves record in historic draw against Ecuador
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered a record-equalling performance with 15 saves to help the tiny Caribbean island nation secure its first-ever World Cup point in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador at the 2026 World Cup. The 37-year-old Miami FC keeper matched Tim Howard's record for most saves in a World Cup match since 1966, but unlike Howard, Room kept a clean sheet. Room's crucial early save on Enner Valencia set the tone, and he repeatedly denied Ecuador despite facing 27 shots with an expected goals against of 3.05. The result comes after Curacao lost 7-1 to Germany in their tournament opener. Room, who originally played for Netherlands youth teams, was convinced by Patrick Kluivert to represent his father's homeland. Manager Dick Advocaat and the team celebrated what BBC pundit Martin Keown called a 'magnificent' performance that will 'feel like a victory' for Curacao.
BBC Sport