Curacao goalkeeper sets all-time World Cup record, overtaking legends
World Cup 2026 (Photo: Getty Images)
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made history by setting an all-time World Cup record for the number of saves in regular time. His 15 saves against Ecuador earned the team its first-ever point at a global tournament, according to FIFA statistical data.
15 saves by Room and a historic point for Curacao
In the match against strong Ecuador, 37-year-old Eloy Room performed a true miracle, saving 15 shots on target. Thanks to this performance, the modest Curacao national team secured a sensational 0–0 draw.
Until this moment, the record for the most saves in 90 minutes at a World Cup was shared by Peruvian goalkeeper Ramón Quiroga (1978 World Cup) and Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa (2018 World Cup), each with 13 saves. Room surpassed their achievements.
The absolute record holder, including extra time, remains American goalkeeper Tim Howard, who made 16 saves against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, although that match was decided in extra time.
After the final whistle, FIFA predictably named Eloy Room the Man of the Match.
Vozinha phenomenon: tears, 14 million on Instagram, and help from the U.S. State Department
Another impressive veteran story at the 2026 World Cup is being written by 40-year-old Vozinha from Cape Verde. In the first round, his 7 saves helped his team secure a draw against Spain (0–0).
Vozinha became the oldest debut World Cup goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet and received the MVP award.
Vozinha takes the honours as your @MichelobUltra Superior Player of the Match. #FIFAWorldCup #SuperiorPOTM pic.twitter.com/TsC1nhwoIB
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 15, 2026
This match completely changed the goalkeeper’s life. His transfer value on Transfermarkt is a modest €50,000, making him the third cheapest player in the tournament.
His performance triggered a massive surge on social media: before the match against Spain, Vozinha had 50,000 Instagram followers, but by the next morning the number had risen to 5 million, and now he has more than 14.5 million followers.
After the match, the football hero gave an emotional confession and could not hold back tears. He recalled his late grandparents, who raised him, and also shared that his mother was unable to fly to the World Cup due to financial difficulties and visa issues.
This story was so moving that it even led to diplomatic involvement from the United States — the State Department quickly took the initiative, helped his mother obtain the necessary documents, and fully funded her trip to the tournament.
On the night of June 22 at 01:00 Kyiv time, Cape Verde will play its second match at the 2026 World Cup against Uruguay. It will be Vozinha’s 90th game for the national team, and this time, his closest family member will be supporting him directly from the stands of an American stadium.
