KANSAS CITY — King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima capped a memorable day at the World Cup by celebrating Curacao’s historic first point after witnessing the Caribbean nation’s 0-0 draw with Ecuador on Saturday.
#VIDEO: A moment to remember for Curaçao. ???
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima celebrated alongside the Caribbean nation after its historic draw against Ecuador in its first-ever World Cup appearance.
pic.twitter.com/0iq4MiSjrZ— Saudi Gazette Sport (@SGazetteSport) June 21, 2026
The Dutch monarchs had begun the day in Houston, where they watched the Netherlands defeat Sweden 5-1 before flying to Kansas City to support Curacao, a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
“It is an extra-special World Cup because we have both the Netherlands and Curacao,” King Willem-Alexander said. “We have twice as many teams to cheer for.”
Curacao, the smallest nation by population ever to qualify for the World Cup, recovered from its 7-1 defeat to Germany in the opening match to secure a memorable draw against Ecuador thanks largely to goalkeeper Eloy Room’s remarkable 15-save performance.
“It’s amazing,” Curacao midfielder Tahith Chong said. “To have them at such a game that we pick up our first point ever in history is amazing.”
The royal family changed their trademark orange colors associated with the Dutch national team for Curacao’s blue scarves as they watched the island nation make history.
Earlier in the day, the Netherlands moved to the top of Group F after defeating Sweden, with Brian Brobbey and Cody Gakpo each scoring twice.
Curacao remain in contention for a place in the knockout stage ahead of their final Group E match against Ivory Coast in Philadelphia, while Ecuador face Germany in New York.
Veteran Curacao coach Dick Advocaat praised the royal family’s presence in the dressing room after the match.
“Seeing how the king, his wife and daughter fit in our group is something that evokes a lot of respect,” the 78-year-old said. “They smile, they dance, nothing is too much for them, and you can see them radiating with joy.”
For the Dutch royal family, it was a day that celebrated not one national team, but two and ended with one of the World Cup’s most memorable stories so far.
Source: Saudi Gazette