Willian Pacho’s Ecuador were held to a damaging 0-0 draw by Curacao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, leaving the Paris Saint-Germain defender facing a decisive Group E finale against Germany.
Pacho started in Ecuador’s back line at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, but La Tri could not turn control into the goal they needed. Curacao claimed their first World Cup point after a stubborn defensive display, with goalkeeper Eloy Room repeatedly frustrating Ecuador in front of goal.
The result was especially costly because Ecuador had already been beaten by Ivory Coast in their opening group match. According to The Guardian’s match report from Kansas City, Ecuador produced 27 shots but still left with only one point from a match they dominated territorially.
Pacho Faces Germany Decider After Ecuador Frustration
For PSG, the story is not only Ecuador’s missed opportunity. Pacho has gone from a demanding club campaign into a World Cup group where every defensive detail now matters, and the final assignment could hardly be sharper.
Ecuador’s route to the knockouts now appears to require victory over Germany. That puts Pacho under immediate pressure against one of the tournament’s strongest attacking sides, while also giving PSG supporters another clear look at how their centre-back handles elite international strain.
The draw keeps Ecuador alive, but only just. For Pacho, the next match is no longer just another World Cup outing. It is a high-stakes test of recovery, concentration and leadership after a night when Ecuador’s attack left him with almost no margin for error.
