Germany kicked off its World Cup campaign with a resounding victory and a clear message to its upcoming opponents. The team led by Julian Nagelsmann defeated Curaçao 7-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston, in a match that showcased their offensive power, team chemistry, and hunger for redemption following their recent World Cup disappointments.
The German team, four-time world champions, entered the tournament under pressure to restore its prestige after being eliminated in the group stage in the previous two editions. From the start, it made it clear that it wasn’t interested in any surprises. Just six minutes in, Felix Nmecha opened the scoring with a shot that grazed the post following a well-executed offensive play.
Curaçao’s first World Cup goal
GOAL FOR CURAZAO! HISTORIC GOAL!
CURAÇAO’S FIRST GOAL IN A WORLD CUP! 🇨🇼😭💙#TheWorldCupIsOurs pic.twitter.com/DulbtEw8QG— TUDN MEX (@TUDNMEX) June 14, 2026
Curaçao, playing in its first World Cup match, made history despite the tough loss.
Livano Comenencia scored his country’s first World Cup goal by capitalizing on a counterattack and beating Manuel Neuer, who returned to the starting lineup in goal for Germany.
The goal sparked an outburst of joy among the Caribbean fans in Houston.
Germany’s reaction was immediate
Jonathan Tah and Nmecha began praying while HUGGING the Curaçao players in the center circle after Germany’s 7-1 victory…
What an amazing photo. 🇩🇪🙏🏼 🇨🇼 pic.twitter.com/8zCAKfK97z
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) June 14, 2026
But the German reaction was immediate.
Nico Schlotterbeck made it 2-1 with a shot following a corner kick, and before halftime, Kai Havertz extended the lead from the penalty spot.
From that point on, Germany took complete control of the game.
In the second half, Jamal Musiala scored the fourth goal with a low shot from a difficult angle, following an assist from Joshua Kimmich.
With the match all but decided, Nagelsmann gave playing time to several substitutes, but Germany’s dominance did not wane.
A landslide victory
Germany puts its best foot forward in the opener. ✨#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) June 14, 2026
Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav, and Havertz once again rounded out the rout against a Curaçao defense that was unable to contain the Europeans’ speed, precision, and technical skill.
Havertz scored twice and sealed the victory with a soft tap-in as the goalkeeper came off his line.
The 7-1 victory puts Germany in first place in Group E for now, a group that also includes Ecuador and Ivory Coast.
The upcoming matches will be a tougher test to gauge the true strength of Nagelsmann’s team.
Curaçao, for its part, leaves the tournament disappointed by the score, but proud to have made history: scoring its first-ever World Cup goal.
Germany, on the other hand, is kicking off the tournament with confidence and sending a clear message to everyone: they’re back and ready to fight for the top spot again.
Match Details
7 – Germany: Neuer; Kimmich (Anton, 83′), Schlotterbeck, Tah (Rüdiger, 73′), Brown (Raum, 73′); Nmecha (Goretzka, 73′), Pavlovic; Musiala (Undav, 64′), Sané, Wirtz; Havertz.
Head Coach: Julian Nagelsmann.
1 – Curaçao: Room; Fonville, Bazoer, Obispo, Floranus; Comenencia, Leandro Bacuna, Juninho Bacuna; Hansen (Antonisse, 46′), Chong (Kastaneer, 83′), Locadia (Margaritha, 65′).
Head Coach: Dick Advocaat.
Goals: 1-0, 6′ Nmecha; 1-1, 21′ Comenencia; 2-1, 35′ Schlotterbeck; 3-1, 45+5′ Havertz (penalty); 4-1, 47′: Musiala; 5-1, 69′: Brown; 6-1, 78′: Undav.
Referee: Jalal Jiyed (Morocco). No yellow cards were issued.
Filed under: Germany thrashes Curaçao
With information from EFE