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Why Eloy Room is Curacao goalie after being born in Netherlands<\/a> originally appeared on The Sporting News<\/a>. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n Eloy Room<\/a> is likely going to be very busy.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n He’s the goalie for Curacao<\/a> at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the first-time World Cup squad is going to face a lot of shots. Room’s going to have to make some big saves.<\/p>\n Room, as some fans of world football might realize, is actually from the Netherlands.<\/p>\n Despite that, though, he’s been suiting up for Curacao for more than a decade.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0<\/strong>Cyle Larin proves all the cliches true for Canada<\/a><\/p>\n The first thing to know is that Curacao is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which creates a lot of overlap between their sporting teams.<\/p>\n Room is reportedly<\/a> eligible to play for Curacao thanks to his father’s heritage.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Growing up in the Netherlands, Room could’ve pushed for a spot with the Dutch national team<\/a>.<\/p>\n Instead, he debuted for Curacao way back in June of 2015, and he’s represented them at Gold Cups.<\/p>\n Room had a clean sheet in the key qualifying match against Jamaica<\/a> that earned Curacao this first World Cup spot.<\/p>\n MORE:\u00a0<\/strong>Tim Howard commercial disrespects USMNT legend<\/a><\/p>\n The 37-year old Room is tied for having played the most games for Curacao, along with his teammate, Leandro Bacuna<\/a>.<\/p>\n Room has 72 caps entering this World Cup.<\/p>\nHow is Eloy Room playing for Curacao?<\/h2>\n