Germany defeated Curacao 7–1 in their first match of the 2026 World Cup.
Inside a quiet, closed Houston stadium, Germany scored an equalizing goal in the first half to eventually defeat their Caribbean opponents with ease. It was the first time since 2014, when Germany won the tournament, that they had won their first World Cup game.
The cheering fans covered in blue cheered on Curacao and even in defeat the smallest nation to ever qualify for the World Cup enjoyed a moment of history.
After Felix Nmecha had given Germany the lead after just five minutes, Livano Comanecia’s deflected strike brought the team level on “The Blue Wave”. Histork equalizer – Curaçao’s first goal of the World Cup – brought scenes of joy among the fans in blue. Manuel Neuer looked unhappy to concede defeat, but the Bayern Munich goalkeeper still broke a record as he became the oldest German player ever to appear in a World Cup (40 years old).
Nico Schlotterbach soon restored Germany’s lead, before Nagelsmann’s team added a third with Kai Havertz’s penalty just before the break. The impressive Jamal Musiala scored soon after the restart, before Nathaniel Brown’s volley cemented Germany’s dominance. SSubstitute Deniz Undav also got in on the act and Kai Havertz added the second after Curaçao finished late on.
Germany’s next match in Group E is against Ivory Coast on June 20 in Toronto.
Edited by: Jennifer Cimino Gonzalez
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