Ecuador dominated possession and created chances throughout but could not find a breakthrough, finishing goalless against Curaçao in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group E opener at Arrowhead Stadium. Ecuador registered 29 shots and 15 on target across 90 minutes, generating an xG of 3.08, yet goalkeeper Eloy Room and a disciplined Curaçao defensive block held firm for the full duration. Curaçao, set up in a 5-4-1, produced 2.48 goals prevented — matching Ecuador's own figure — and limited their opponents to corners and speculative efforts. J. Alcivar was booked for Ecuador in the 38th minute and substituted off at half-time, replaced by K. Rodriguez.

The point leaves both teams with one point from their opening Group E fixture. Ecuador's xG of 3.08 against a single point illustrates the scale of the opportunity left on the pitch. Curaçao collected five yellow cards across the afternoon — L. Bacuna (39'), J. Bacuna (53'), L. Comenencia (56'), J. Gaari (75'), and G. Kastaneer (90+1') — and made five substitutions in the second half to manage the load. Ecuador brought on N. Angulo for Estupinan at 70' and J. Caicedo for J. Yeboah at 89' as they pushed for a winner that did not arrive.