Once again starting in the three-man defence set up by Ecuadorian manager Sebastian Beccacece, Willian Pacho proved himself to be the linchpin of the South American back line, winning several one-on-one duels to prevent Curaçao from breaking through. A few days after their narrow defeat to Côte d’Ivoire (0–1), La Tri were determined to secure their first win of the tournament and take a step towards qualifying for the next round. However, Eloy Room had other ideas. The Caribbean island’s goalkeeper produced a historic performance, making 15 saves to secure his country’s first ever point in a World Cup. With this result, Ecuador will be forced to pull off a big result against Germany on the final matchday, as only a win will see them through to the round of 32.
Ecuador - CURACAO: 0-0 (0-0)
FIFA World Cup 2026 - Matchday 2 - Group E
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City (United States)
ECUADOR: Galindez, Franco (Preciado, 83'), Pacho, Hincapié, Alcivar (Rodriguez, 46'), Yeboah (J. Caicedo, 89'), Vite, Caicedo, Estupinan (Angulo, 70'), Plata, E. Valencia. Coach: S. Becacece
CURACAO: Room, Brenet, Gaari, Obispo, Floranus, Fonville (van Ejima, 76'), Chong (Margaritha, 76'), Comenencia (Roemeratoe, 84'), L. Bacuna, J. Bacuna (Gorré, 75'), Locadia (Kastaneer, 83'). Coach: D. Advocaat