The memorable performance of Eloy Room against Ecuador in the 2026 World Cup not only allowed Curacao add the first point of your story in a World Cup. It also placed the veteran goalkeeper among the greatest individual displays recorded between the three sticks.
The 37-year-old goalkeeper made 15 saves in the goalless draw against Ecuador and became the second goalkeeper with the most interventions in a World Cup match, only behind the American Tim Howard, owner of the absolute record with 16.
The performance of Room It was historic because he made his 15 saves in the 90 minutes of regulation and kept his goal clean, despite the constant siege from the Ecuadorians, who finished 28 times and demanded the most from the Caribbean goalkeeper.
Tim Howard is still on top
First place belongs to Tim Howard. The American starred in an unforgettable performance on July 1, 2014during the round of 16 of the Brazil World Cupwhen the United States fell 2-1 to Belgium in overtime.
Howard recorded 16 saves, a figure that remains the most in a World Cup match since FIFA has kept detailed statistics. Their recital kept the Americans alive for 120 minutes, although they were finally eliminated.
Ramón Quiroga completes the podium
Third place belongs to Peruvian Ramón Quiroga, who made 13 interventions against the Netherlands in Argentina 1978. For decades, that mark remained a reference among the great performances of goalkeepers in the World Cups.
Quiroga maintained second place for 48 years, until Room displaced him with his magical night against Ecuador.
| Position | Goalie | Selection | Rival | World | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tim Howard | USA | Belgium | Brazil 2014 | 16 |
| 2 | Eloy Room | Curacao | Ecuador | 2026 | 15 |
| 3 | Ramon Quiroga | Peru | Netherlands | Argentina 1978 | 13 |
Room’s display was just one stop short of the absolute record and is already among the most extraordinary performances a World Cup has ever seen. While Tim Howard retains the top spot, the Curacao goalkeeper has earned a privileged place in World Cup history.