Germany began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note with an emphatic 7-1 victory over Curacao in a Group E match played on Sunday.
The four-time world champions showed their quality from the start, controlling possession and creating several chances against the World Cup debutants.
Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the sixth minute after finishing off a well-worked attacking move.
In spite of Germany’s early dominance, Curacao stunned the crowd in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia found the back of the net to level the scores.
The strike registers the Caribbean nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
The equaliser briefly raised Curacao’s hopes, but Germany quickly regained control of the contest.
Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany’s lead in the 38th minute with a clinical finish.
Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time (45+5) to hand his side a comfortable 3-1 advantage going into the break.
Germany continued their attacking display after halftime. Jamal Musiala extended the lead in the 47th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Curacao.
The goal further boosted Germany’s confidence as they continued to press forward in search of more goals.
Nathaniel Brown added the fifth goal in the 68th minute after another flowing team move.
Substitute Deniz Undav joined the scoresheet in the 78th minute, capitalising on Germany’s relentless pressure and attacking superiority.
Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute to round off an impressive performance from the European giants, who finished the match with six different goalscorers.
The result gives Germany an early advantage in Group E and sends a strong message to their rivals as they chase a fifth World Cup title.
For Curacao, in spite of the heavy defeat, Comenencia’s historic goal will remain a memorable moment for the nation in its first appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Germany’s coach praised his team’s attacking display and discipline, while Curacao will look to regroup and improve in their remaining group matches.
