Germany began its participation in the 2026 World Cup with an offensive display that ended in a 7-1 win over Curacao at the NRG Stadium in Houston. The team led by Julian Nagelsmann resolved its debut with authority and placed itself in a favorable position within Group E, where Ecuador and Ivory Coast also compete.

The result left opposite feelings between both teams. While the German team confirmed from the first match its intention to compete for the tournament after two consecutive eliminations in the group stage, Curacao achieved a historic moment by scoring the first goal in its history in a World Cup.

With Manuel Neuer back as a starter and a clearly attack-oriented line-up, Germany presented an aggressive structure from the start. Felix Nmecha accompanied Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala, Leroy Sané and Kai Havertz on offense, while Nathaniel Brown had a constant presence on the left side.

German superiority quickly appeared. Just after six minutes, a combined action between Wirtz and Nmecha allowed the scoring to be opened with a tight shot that beat the rival goalkeeper. During the first part of the match, Germany generated several clear opportunities, although without immediately managing to widen the difference.

Curaçao made history before definitive German rule

When the match seemed on track early on, Curacao found an unexpected response. In a counterattack action, Livano Comenencia took advantage of a rejection inside the area and beat Neuer to score the first World Cup goal for the Caribbean team.

The score sparked celebration among the Curacao fans present in Houston and temporarily tied the tie at 1-1. Equality, however, was short-lived.

Germany regained control before the break with a set piece play. Nathaniel Brown sent a cross into the box that Nico Schlotterbeck converted to make it 2-1. Shortly after, the third goal came through a penalty taken by Kai Havertz, awarded after an infringement by Riechedly Bazoer on Nmecha.

Musiala increased the lead just beginning the second half with a cross shot after an assist from Joshua Kimmich. With the score under control, Nagelsmann began to move the bench and give minutes to other players.

Far from slowing down, Germany continued to attack and found more space against a defense that could no longer sustain the exchange of blows.

Nathaniel Brown also found a reward with his own goal and Deniz Undav added to the score. Havertz closed the win, taking advantage of a defensive error to sign his double with a soft finish before the goalkeeper came out.

Germany will now begin a more demanding phase of the tournament with their next matches against Ivory Coast in Toronto and Ecuador in New Jersey, while Curacao leaves Houston with a comprehensive defeat but also with the first World Cup goal in its history.