A commanding Germany side opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, defeating Curaçao 7-1 in Group E at NRG Stadium on June 14. It was a statement performance from Julian Nagelsmann and his team, though Curaçao made their own history by making their debut as the smallest nation by population ever to compete at a World Cup.
Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock in the sixth minute, but Livano Comenencia leveled for Curaçao in the 21st minute to spark scenes of wild celebration among the Caribbean supporters. Germany restored their lead before the break with goals from Schlotterbeck and a Havertz penalty, taking a 3-1 lead into the interval.
The floodgates opened in the second half as Germany added further goals from Musiala, Brown, and Undav before Havertz completed his brace late on to seal a 7-1 final scoreline. The performance highlighted the depth and quality available to Nagelsmann, and Germany look well-placed to advance deep into the tournament.
Curaçao, with a population of approximately 160,000, are the smallest nation in World Cup history to compete at the tournament. The goal from Comenencia was celebrated with great joy and will be remembered fondly, even as the overall result proved a harsh lesson at the highest level.
Germany advance in Group E with full points and will aim to maintain momentum in the matches ahead.
