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Germany made a flying start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao in their Group E opener in Houston.
The emphatic win marks Germany’s first victory in an opening World Cup match since they went on to win the tournament in 2014 and places them in a strong position to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since that triumph.
Early Scare for Germany
Germany took the lead in the sixth minute through Felix Nmecha, who curled a superb effort past goalkeeper Eloy Room after being set up by Florian Wirtz.
However, Curaçao briefly stunned the four-time world champions when Livano Comenencia equalised with a deflected strike, sending the island nation’s supporters into celebration.
The setback proved only temporary as Germany regained control and dominated the remainder of the contest.
Goals Flow for Four-Time Champions
The Germans restored their lead when defender Nico Schlotterbeck headed home his first international goal from a corner.
Kai Havertz then converted a penalty shortly before half-time after Nmecha was fouled in the box.
Germany extended their advantage just over a minute into the second half when Jamal Musiala scored from a tight angle following a pass from Joshua Kimmich.
Further goals from Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav put the result beyond doubt before Havertz grabbed his second goal of the evening.
Veterans Make History
The match also saw goalkeeper Manuel Neuer make history. At 40 years old, he became the oldest German player ever to appear at a World Cup and featured in his fifth tournament.
On the opposite bench, Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat, aged 78, extended his record as the oldest coach in World Cup history.
Group E Outlook
The victory gives Germany a significant boost in Group E, where tougher challenges are expected against Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
For Curaçao, despite the heavy defeat, their historic first World Cup appearance remains a landmark achievement for the Caribbean nation of just 160,000 people.
