Germany made a ruthless start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Sunday, securing a 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao in a thrilling Group E clash at Houston Stadium.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side came into the game as heavy favorites, as they faced off against a Curaçao side, who are the smallest nation by both area and population to qualify for the World Cup.
Germany expectedly started off very strongly and broke the deadlock six minutes in, with Florian Wirtz laying off a lovely pass into the path of Felix Nmecha, who curled his effort into the right-hand side of the goal, making it 1-0.
The unexpected, however, happened in the 21st minute as Curaçao made history by scoring their first-ever World Cup goal. Livano Comenencia found the shocking equaliser, as his left-footed shot deflected off Joshua Kimmich and past Manuel Neuer.
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Germany went back in front in the 38th minute as Nico Schlotterbeck scored with a header after a brilliant delivery from Nathaniel Brown. Few minutes later, the European heavyweights were awarded a penalty which was converted by Kai Havertz, making it 3-1 going into halftime.
Nagelsmann’s side wasted no time in extending their advantage in the second half as Jamal Musiala found the net just two minutes in to make it 4-1. Nathaniel Brown added a fifth in the 68th minute, marking his World Cup debut with a goal and an assist.
In their usual ruthless style, Germany continued to attack with purpose and they made it 6-1 in the 78th minute courtesy of substitute Denis Undav. The Stuttgart forward then provided an assist 10 minutes later for Kai Havertz to net his second of the match, completing a 7-1 rout.
Germany will continue their World Cup campaign with a tougher clash against Ivory Coast on Saturday, June 20. Meanwhile, Curaçao will face Ecuador on Sunday, June 21.
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