Germany launched its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding performance on Sunday, overwhelming tournament newcomer Curaçao 7-1 in a Group E clash before a crowd of 68,021 supporters.
Led by a brace from Kai Havertz, the four-time world champions shook off an early scare and turned the match into a showcase of attacking quality as they began their quest for redemption following disappointing group-stage exits in both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Germany struck first in the sixth minute when Felix Nmecha connected on a one-timed finish from just inside the box after a perfectly weighted assist from Florian Wirtz. The early goal appeared to settle the Germans, but Curaçao soon produced a historic moment of its own.
Making its first-ever World Cup appearance and becoming the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament, Curaçao stunned Germany in the 21st minute. Midfielder Livano Comenencia fired a left-footed shot through a crowded penalty area and into the net, scoring his country’s first World Cup goal and igniting celebrations among the spirited Curaçao supporters in attendance.
The underdogs’ joy was short-lived. Germany regained control in the 38th minute when defender Nico Schlotterbeck rose highest to head home a corner kick delivered by Nathaniel Brown, restoring the European giants’ advantage at 2-1.
The lead grew moments before halftime. After Curaçao defender Riechedly Bazoer brought down Nmecha inside the penalty area, Germany was awarded a spot kick. Havertz calmly converted during first-half stoppage time to give his side a comfortable 3-1 lead heading into the break.
Any hopes of a Curaçao comeback disappeared almost immediately after halftime.
Just two minutes into the second half, Jamal Musiala finished a right-footed effort across goal to make it 4-1 and put Germany firmly in control.
Brown then capped an impressive performance with a goal of his own in the 68th minute, extending the lead to 5-1. Ten minutes later, Deniz Undav, who had assisted Brown’s strike, found the scoresheet himself to make it 6-1.
Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute, putting the finishing touch on a dominant German display and sealing the 7-1 victory.
While the seven-goal outburst was one of the most lopsided victories in recent World Cup history, it still fell short of the tournament record winning margin of nine goals. That mark has been achieved three times, most recently when Hungary national football team defeated El Salvador national football team 10-1 in 1982.
Germany also received a reassuring performance from veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. The 40-year-old, who came out of international retirement for the tournament, was largely untested and needed only one save in his first appearance for Germany in nearly two years.
The match also featured a unique World Cup coaching milestone. Curaçao manager Dick Advocaat, at 78 years old, became the oldest coach ever to manage at a World Cup. Across the technical area stood Germany’s Julian Nagelsmann, 38, the youngest manager at this year’s tournament, creating the largest age gap between opposing coaches in World Cup history.
The emphatic victory puts Germany in an excellent position early in Group E and sends a clear message that the 2014 champions intend to be contenders once again.
Germany will next face Ivory Coast national football team in Toronto on Saturday, while Curaçao looks to rebound against Ecuador national football team in Kansas City.
