World Cup
12:00 A.MJune 21, 2026
Group stage – 2
Arrowhead Stadium
Referee: Ma Ning, China
Ecuador
Curacao
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3.06
Expected Goals (xG)
0.48
Passing by
577 (90%)
Accurate passes
154 (69%)
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1
G
Hernán Galíndez
8.0
3
d
Piero Hincapié
7.3
6
d
Willian Pacho
7.5
21
d
Alan Franco
7.2
m
Jordi Alcivar
38′ Stumbled
7
m
Pervis Estupinyán
6.7
23
m
Moises Caicedo
8.3
15
m
Pedro Vite
7.9
9
m
John Yeboah
7.3
13
F
Ender Valencia (C)
6.7
19
F
Gonzalo Plata
7.3
Substitutes
14
F
Alan Mind
8
F
Anthony Valencia
24
F
Jeremy Arevalo
18
m
Daniel Castell
10
m
Kendy Paez
2
d
Felix Torres
25
d
Jackson Porozo
4
d
Joel Ordonez
26
d
Yaimar Medina
22
G
Gonzalo Valle
12
G
Moises Ramirez
F
Jordy Caicedo
89′ Replaced by J. Yeboahd
Angel Preat
83′ Replaced by A. FrancoF
Nelson Angle
70′ Replaced by P. EstupinanF
Kevin Rodriguez
46′ Replaced by J. Alcivartrainer
Sebastià Beccacece
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Ecuador and Curacao played out a goalless stalemate at Arrowhead Stadium, with the South Americans dominating possession but unable to break down a determined defensive display.
Ecuador controlled the game from start to finish, creating numerous chances in their first World Cup. The home team dominated the ball with 75 percent possession and fired 28 shots, but Curaçao goalkeeper Eloy Room put in an excellent performance to keep the scores level.
The first half saw Ecuador establish their authority early. Midfielder Pedro Vite created chances with pinpoint passes, while the defense remained organised. In the 38th minute, J. Alcivar picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge, setting the physical tone for the match.
Curaçao responded with defensive discipline despite few opportunities. L. Bacuna was shown a yellow card in the 39th minute as the visitors looked to frustrate their rivals. The Caribbean team managed just three shots on goal throughout the game.
At the break, Ecuador had created the best chances but failed to convert. Expected goals significantly favored the home team, with Ecuador generating 3.06 xG compared to Curaçao’s 0.48. Room’s early saves kept the game scoreless heading into halftime.
The second half followed a similar pattern. Ecuador continued to advance with intensity and precision. Willian Pacho fired a dangerous shot at goal, while Caicedo controlled the midfield with authority and leadership.
Curaçao racked up yellow cards as the match progressed. J. Bacuna was booked in the 53rd minute, followed by L. Comenencia in the 56th. J. Gaari and G. Kastaneer were also booked as the visitors grew increasingly frustrated.
Ecuador’s offensive prowess never wavered. The home team completed 577 accurate passes from 641 attempts, showing 90 percent accuracy. Nine corners came, but set-piece execution let them down repeatedly.
Room proved to be the best player in the game with 15 saves. His reflexes and positioning were exceptional throughout. Ecuador’s Hernán Galíndez made three crucial saves at the other end to preserve the tie.
The final whistle led to frustration for Ecuador despite their superiority. Neither team managed to find the back of the net despite multiple chances. This result leaves both sides with work to do in their World Cup campaigns.
Ecuador will look to turn their dominance into goals in their next game. Curaçao will take confidence from their defensive resilience, but will need improvements in attack. The point keeps both teams alive in the tournament race.
