Germany thrash Curaçao 7-1 to make flying start at FIFA World Cup 2026

KATHMANDU: Germany launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign emphatically with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curaçao in Houston, overcoming an early setback to secure their biggest opening-match win in years.

Felix Nmecha gave Germany the lead in the fifth minute, but Curaçao stunned the four-time world champions when Livano Comenencia scored the Caribbean nation’s first-ever World Cup goal, bringing the match level at 1-1 and igniting celebrations among thousands of blue-clad supporters.

The equalizer, however, only briefly disrupted Germany’s rhythm. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead before Kai Havertz converted a penalty late in the first half to put Germany firmly in control at 3-1.

Germany continued their dominance after the break. Jamal Musiala added a fourth goal shortly after halftime, while Nathaniel Brown produced a superb volley to extend the advantage. Substitute Deniz Undav also found the net before Havertz completed his brace, sealing a comprehensive 7-1 triumph.

The victory marked Germany’s first World Cup opening-match win since 2014—the same year they lifted the trophy in Brazil.

Veteran goalkeeper and captain Manuel Neuer also reached a significant milestone. At 40 years old, he became the oldest German player ever to appear in a World Cup match.

Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao achieved a historic milestone of their own. The smallest nation by population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup scored its first goal on football’s biggest stage, creating a memorable moment in the country’s sporting history.

Germany, who sit in Group E, will face Ivory Coast in Toronto on June 21, while Curaçao will take on Ecuador in Kansas City as both teams continue their World Cup journeys.