Image: from Rony X @ronyislaam
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Debutants Curaçao secured the first World Cup point in their history on Saturday after battling to a goalless draw against Ecuador in their second Group E match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Caribbean side delivered a disciplined and determined performance to frustrate one of South America’s strongest teams, earning a landmark result just days after suffering a heavy 7,1 defeat to Germany in their tournament opener.
🚨 WATCH: Curaçao teammates rush to Eloy Room 🇨🇼 after the final whistle. ❤️
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A special moment that shows what this historic World Cup point means to the team. 🏆pic.twitter.com/pQ5YxredXx— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 21, 2026
Ecuador entered the match under pressure after losing 1,0 to the Ivory Coast in their opening fixture and dominated possession for long periods. However, the South American side was unable to find a breakthrough against a resilient Curaçao defense that remained organized throughout the contest.
For Curaçao, the draw represents a historic achievement. Making their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup, the Caribbean nation claimed its maiden point on football’s biggest stage and kept alive its hopes of progressing from the group.
The result also had significant implications for Group E. Germany, who defeated the Ivory Coast 2,1 earlier in the day, moved to six points and secured top spot in the group with one match remaining.
Ivory Coast sits second with three points, while Ecuador and Curaçao are level on one point each heading into the final round of group matches.
Although still searching for their first World Cup victory, Curaçao’s hard-fought draw against a highly rated Ecuadorian side will be remembered as a milestone moment in the country’s football history and a sign of the progress made by the Caribbean nation on the international stage.