Ecuador and Curacao draw 0-0 in key Group E clash at the 2026 World Cup
Ecuador and Curacao drew 0-0 on Matchday 2 of Group E in the 2026 World Cup, with Ecuador controlling large stretches but failing to convert chances while Curacao stayed compact and dangerous on the counter.
Ecuador and Curacao finished level 0-0 in a tight Group E encounter at the 2026 World Cup, with Ecuador dominating possession but struggling to convert their chances at Arrowhead Stadium. Eloy Room stood out as the hero for Curacao, producing several key saves to deny Ecuador throughout the match.
Ecuador created the clearer opportunities through Enner Valencia, Pedro Vite and Kevin Rodriguez, but could not find the breakthrough despite sustained pressure. Curacao stayed compact and dangerous on transitions, relying heavily on the Bacuna brothers to threaten on the counter.
In the end, Curacao’s defensive discipline and Eloy Room’s decisive performance secured a valuable point, while Ecuador were left frustrated after failing to capitalize on their dominance in the final third.
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Ecuador and Curacao ended 0-0 in a tight 2026 World Cup Group E clash at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with both sides sharing the points after a hard-fought battle.
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90' - Full time (0-0)
The referee blows the final whistle at Arrowhead Stadium as Ecuador and Curacao finish level in a 0-0 draw in Group E of the 2026 World Cup. Despite Ecuador’s sustained pressure and multiple chances, Curacao’s defensive discipline and key saves ensure both teams share the points.
90' - Ecuador substitution and 5 minutes added (0-0)
Ecuador make a late change as Jhon Yeboah comes off and Kevin Rodriguez is brought on in search of a late breakthrough. The fourth official signals five minutes of added time as Ecuador push forward in the final stretch, while Curacao remain compact and hold their defensive shape.
83' - Double substitution for Ecuador and Curacao (0-0)
Ecuador make a change as Alan Franco comes off and Angelo Preciado is introduced, adding fresh energy and width to their setup. Curacao also respond with a substitution as Juergen Locadia is replaced by Gervane Kastaneer.
80' - Pedro Vite denied by Eloy Room! (0-0)
Pedro Vite unleashes a powerful strike from outside the box, but Eloy Room reacts brilliantly to produce a spectacular save and keep Curacao level in a key moment of pressure from Ecuador.
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77' - Curacao triple substitution (0-0)
Curacao make a triple change as Juninho Bacuna, Deveron Fonville, and Tahith Chong come off, with Kenju Gorre, Roshon van Eijma, and Jearl Margaritha coming on. A clear attempt to refresh the team’s energy and maintain their structure as the match enters its decisive phase, while Ecuador continue pushing forward.
75' - Curacao denied again and Ecuador escape danger (0-0)
Curacao come inches away once more as Juninho Bacuna unleashes a powerful effort, but Hernan Galindez produces another outstanding save, reacting quickly to keep Ecuador level. On the following counterattack, Jurien Gaari commits a strong foul on Nilson Angulo and is shown a yellow card as the referee steps in to calm the situation.
72' - Nilson Angulo tests from distance (0-0)
Nilson Angulo tries his luck with a shot from outside the box after cutting inside into space. The effort is struck with intent but lacks the precision to trouble the goalkeeper.
71' - Ecuador substitution (0-0)
Ecuador make another change as Pervis Estupinan comes off and Nilson Angulo is introduced.
71' - Play resumes (0-0)
The cooling break comes to an end and the match restarts at Arrowhead Stadium.
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67' - Cooling break (0-0)
The referee signals another cooling break as players from Ecuador and Curacao head to the sidelines to rehydrate in the Kansas City heat.
65' - Incredible save keeps Ecuador out! (0-0)
A brilliant attacking move from Ecuador sees Jhon Yeboah deliver a dangerous cross into the box, where Enner Valencia rises and connects with a powerful header. The effort seems destined for goal, but the Curacao goalkeeper reacts superbly to produce a huge save and keep the score level.
62' - Kevin Rodriguez goes close! (0-0)
Kevin Rodriguez makes a strong run down the left flank, beating his marker and getting into a good attacking position. He manages to get a shot away, but the effort drifts just wide of the post as Ecuador continue to push for the opening goal without finding the breakthrough.
60' - Galindez denies Curacao twice! (0-0)
What a stunning sequence from Hernan Galindez to keep Ecuador alive. Juninho Bacuna drives past Alan Franco and sets up a cutback into the box, where Livano Comenencia fires a strong effort that is brilliantly saved. The rebound falls to Juergen Locadia, but Galindez reacts again with a second incredible stop to deny Curacao what looked like a certain goal. Tremendous goalkeeping to keep the match level.
56' - Yellow card for Livano Comenencia (0-0)
Livano Comenencia is shown a yellow card after a strong challenge on Pedro Vite, with the Curacao midfielder leaving his leg high in the tackle. It becomes the third booking for Curacao’s midfield.
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53' - Yellow card for Juninho Bacuna (0-0)
Juninho Bacuna is shown a yellow card after a foul on Piero Hincapie. The Curacao midfielder arrives late into the challenge, and the referee immediately pulls out the booking as Ecuador look to increase pressure in the attacking half.
50' - Moises Caicedo tries from distance (0-0)
Moises Caicedo goes for a shot from outside the box, but the effort lacks power. The ball stays low along the ground but does not carry enough direction or pace to trouble the goalkeeper, as Curacao comfortably deal with the attempt.
47' - Ecuador make a substitution (0-0)
Ecuador make a change as Jordy Alcivar comes off and Kevin Rodriguez is brought on.
45' - Second half is underway! (0-0)
The referee restarts the match at Arrowhead Stadium as Ecuador and Curacao begin the second half level at 0-0.
45' - Halftime (0-0)
The referee brings an end to the first half at Arrowhead Stadium with Ecuador and Curacao level at 0-0.
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45' - 4 minutes added (0-0)
The fourth official signals four minutes of added time as Ecuador and Curacao head into the closing stretch of the first half.
44' - Curacao sit deep while Ecuador struggle to break lines (0-0)
Curacao are now completely camped in their own half, closing down every space and forcing Ecuador to circulate the ball without penetration. However, Ecuador are not helping their own cause, looking static in possession with very few off-the-ball movements, aside from Gonzalo Plata, who continues to try to take initiative. The situation resembles a tightly closed match similar to Spain vs Cape Verde, with patience becoming crucial for Ecuador.
40' - Yellow cards for both sides (0-0)
Jordy Alcivar is shown a yellow card after a foul on Tahith Chong, with the Ecuador midfielder going into the book for a late challenge. Moments later, Leandro Bacuna also receives an amonestación following a hard tackle on Gonzalo Plata, as the referee begins to take control of the match’s growing intensity.
34' - Play stopped due to injury for (0-0)
The match is temporarily halted after Juninho Bacuna goes down with what appears to be an injury for Curacao. Medical staff are quickly called onto the pitch as Curacao prepare a potential substitution, with play set to resume once the situation is resolved.
32' - Curacao threaten in transition as Ecuador lose control (0-0)
Curacao’s quick transitional attacks are causing real problems for Ecuador, who are starting to look exposed when they lose the ball in advanced areas. Ecuador cannot afford to fall into desperation, as it is opening space for Curacao to exploit dangerous counterattacks. Providencia and the Bacuna brothers remain the most dangerous outlets whenever Curacao break forward, forcing Ecuador to stay disciplined and composed.
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27' - Play resumes (0-0)
The cooling break comes to an end and action restarts at Arrowhead Stadium.
23' - Cooling break (0-0)
The referee signals for a cooling break as players from both Ecuador and Curacao head to the sidelines to rehydrate in the intense conditions at Arrowhead Stadium.
19' - Ecuador under pressure as Curacao threaten on the break (0-0)
Ecuador’s finishing continues to raise concerns after multiple clear chances go unused, with their lack of precision in front of goal potentially proving costly. Curacao, meanwhile, are growing into the match through quick transitional attacks, not yet creating major danger but showing that this is their clearest route forward. Ecuador are being urged to step up the tempo and push harder in the final third.
14' - Ecuador threaten again! (0-0)
A strong attacking connection between Jhon Yeboah and Pedro Vite breaks through the Curacao defensive structure once again. Vite drives into the box and gets into a dangerous shooting position, but his final effort goes just wide of the post as Ecuador continue to come close without finding the breakthrough.
12' - Ecuador miss another big chance (0-0)
A superb through ball from Pedro Vite breaks the Curacao defensive line and finds Jhon Yeboah between the lines in a dangerous position. Yeboah takes a touch, cuts inside to create space, but his final shot lacks power and is comfortably dealt with, as Ecuador fail to capitalize on a promising attacking move.
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9' - Big warning for Curacao! (0-0)
Curacao respond with a dangerous attacking run down the left flank from Juninho Bacuna, who drives forward with pace and gets into a promising position. He unleashes a powerful shot, but it goes just wide of the target as Ecuador escape a scare in their defensive third.
7' - Ecuador control possession but lack precision in attack (0-0)
Ecuador continue to dominate the ball in the opening stages, but their attacking play looks rushed in the final third. Moises Caicedo is actively trying to slow the tempo and ask for more composure from his teammates, as quick transitions are leading to unnecessary mistakes and turnovers in possession.
2' - Ecuador miss a huge chance! (0-0)
What a brilliant through ball from Moises Caicedo splits the Curacao defense and finds Enner Valencia in behind. The Ecuador striker is one-on-one with the goalkeeper but fails to convert, with the Curacao keeper producing a strong save to deny what looked like a certain opening goal.
0' - Game is underway! (0-0)
The referee signals the start of the match at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City as Ecuador and Curacao begin their Group E showdown.
Teams on the field for national anthems
Both Ecuador and Curacao are now on the pitch at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, as they prepare for the pre-match formalities. Players from both sides are lining up for national anthems and the official pre-match handshake, with kickoff in Group E action just moments away.
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Tonight's venue
Venue, attendance, and weather are confirmed for tonight's match. The match will take place in Kansas City, Missouri, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, officially known as Kansas City Stadium. The venue is expected to host around 76,000 spectators under normal conditions.
Conditions in Kansas City are set to play a role in tonight's World Cup Group E clash between Ecuador and Curacao.
Ecuador and Curacao FIFA rankings
According to the latest FIFA rankings, Ecuador enter tonight's World Cup clash as the higher-ranked side. La Tricolor sit 29th in the world with 1,570.76 ranking points.
Curacao, meanwhile, are ranked 83rd globally with 1,287 points. The difference between the two teams highlights the gap in experience and results at the international level heading into this Group E matchup.
Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh of New Zealand has been appointed as the fourth official, while fellow New Zealander Isaac Trevis will act as the reserve assistant referee. The VAR team will be led by Fu Ming of China, with Marco Di Bello of Italy serving as assistant VAR.
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Start time and how to watch
Ecuador vs Curacao will get underway at 8:00 PM (PT: 5:00 PM)
Emilio Abad is a bilingual journalism graduate from Universidad de Especialidad Espíritu Santo. He joined the Bolavip US team in 2024, bringing with him a deep passion for international soccer and basketball. Emilio has gained valuable experience as a news anchor on a university program and completed an internship at Radio Forever in Guayaquil. He has also covered Liga Pro events in Ecuador, highlighting his expertise in sports reporting. Through these roles, he has built a strong foundation in journalism, with a focus on sports media and storytelling.