Germany open FIFA World Cup campaign with 7-1 rout of Curacao

HOUSTON: Germany opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic style with a commanding 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao in their Group E opener of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Houston Stadium on Sunday.

The German side maintained their momentum after the interval, striking early in the second half as Jamal Musiala found the net in the 47th minute to extend their advantage to 4-1.

Buoyed by confidence, Germany continued to dictate proceedings with sharp passing, intelligent movement and disciplined organisation, as they pushed forward in search of further goals.

Their relentless pressure was rewarded again in the 68th minute when Nathaniel Brown scored his first World Cup goal, making it 5-1 and effectively putting the contest beyond Curacao’s reach.

Germany added a sixth in the 78th minute through Deniz Undav, further underlining their dominance over the tournament debutants.

Kai Havertz then added his second goal in the 88th minute as Germany showed no mercy, extending their lead to 7-1 before the match ended after five minutes of added time, sealing a resounding opening victory.

In the opening half of the clash, Germany made a flying start, breaking the deadlock in the sixth minute when Felix Nmecha curled a precise effort into the bottom corner to give his side an early advantage.

From the outset, the German side looked determined to impose themselves, pressing high and targeting a strong start to their campaign.

Curacao gradually grew into the contest after the opening 15 minutes, showing confidence with sharp tackles and quick passing moves that disrupted Germany’s midfield as they searched for an equaliser, although they initially struggled to convert their chances.

However, they responded well and eventually drew level in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia struck, marking a historic goal for his side in FIFA World Cup competition.

At the hydration break, the match was finely poised at 1-1, with both sides sharing momentum after an evenly contested spell of play.

Germany pushed forward again in the 30th minute in search of a second goal, but their effort was comfortably dealt with by Curacao’s defence, with goalkeeper Eloy Room making a crucial save to keep the scores level.

The breakthrough came in the 38th minute when Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s lead with a well-taken finish, making it 2-1 before half-time.

Germany were awarded a penalty corner in the added minutes of the first half and made it count, as Kai Havertz found the net to end the opening period on a high and extend their lead to 3-1.

Starting XIs

Germany: Manuel Neuer, Nathaniel Brown, Nico Schlotterbeck, Jonathan Tah, Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha, Florian Wirtz, Leroy Sané, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.

Curaçao: Eloy Room, Sherel Floranus, Riechedly Bazoer, Sontje Hansen, Armando Obispo, Deveron Fonville, Juninho Bacuna, Leandro Bacuna, Livano Comenencia, Tahith Chong and Jurgen Locadia.