Germany 7-1 Curaçao: a ruthless opener, and a historic goal for the debutants

Germany opened their 2026 World Cup with a statement, beating tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 at Houston's NRG Stadium. After group-stage exits in 2018 and 2022, Julian Nagelsmann's side needed a convincing start — and got one.

Seven goals, and one the islanders will never forget

Felix Nmecha set the tone inside six minutes, exchanging a one-two with Florian Wirtz before bending his shot inside the post. Curaçao's reply, in the 21st minute, will live far longer in their history than the scoreline: Livano Comenencia chased a loose ball in the box and his strike deflected past Manuel Neuer for 1-1 — Curaçao's first-ever goal at a World Cup, scored by the smallest nation, by population, ever to reach the tournament.

The parity lasted until the 38th minute, when Nico Schlotterbeck glanced Nathaniel Brown's corner past Eloy Room. Deep in first-half stoppage time, Kai Havertz converted a penalty for 3-1, and the contest was effectively settled by the interval.

Germany pulled clear after the break. Jamal Musiala finished a Joshua Kimmich through-ball two minutes into the second half (4-1). Brown then capped his debut by volleying home a Deniz Undav flick for his first international goal on 68 minutes; Undav scored himself soon after (78'); and Havertz completed his brace on 88 minutes to make it 7-1.

What it means for Group E

The win hands Germany an early goal-difference cushion in a group that also features Ivory Coast and Ecuador, the two sides expected to fight for second place. Germany face Ivory Coast next, on June 20, before meeting Ecuador on June 25. Follow the section on our Group E page.

For Curaçao — a nation of around 160,000 — the night ended in a heavy defeat, but with their name in the record books. You can revisit the game on the match page or see the full schedule at matches.