FIFA World Cup 2026
Group E Result
Germany 7-1 Curacao
Houston, United States: Germany made a statement of intent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a ruthless 7-1 demolition of debutants Curacao in their opening Group E match on Sunday.
The emphatic victory handed Germany their first opening-match win at a World Cup since they went on to lift the trophy in Brazil in 2014 and immediately positioned Julian Nagelsmann’s side as one of the early contenders in the tournament.
While tougher tests await against Ecuador and Ivory Coast later in the group stage, the four-time world champions produced an attacking masterclass in Houston to take control of Group E and boost their hopes of reaching the knockout rounds for the first time since 2014.
Germany struck first after just six minutes through Felix Nmecha, who curled a superb effort beyond Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room after being picked out by Florian Wirtz.
The early goal sparked celebrations on the German bench, with coach Julian Nagelsmann roaring in approval.
However, Curacao stunned the Germans midway through the first half when Livano Comenencia’s effort took a deflection and beat veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to level the match at 1-1.
The goal sent Curacao’s travelling supporters, known as the “Blue Wave”, into celebration and briefly raised hopes of a major World Cup shock.
Those hopes were short-lived.
Germany regained control before halftime as Nico Schlotterbeck powered home a header from a corner in the 38th minute for his first international goal.
Kai Havertz then extended the lead from the penalty spot after Nmecha was brought down inside the area by Riechedly Bazoer, sending Germany into the break with a comfortable 3-1 advantage.
The second half belonged entirely to the Germans.
Just 69 seconds after the restart, Jamal Musiala raced onto a Joshua Kimmich pass and finished clinically from a tight angle to make it 4-1.
Nathaniel Brown added a fifth goal shortly before the second hydration break, while substitute Deniz Undav continued his fine international form by scoring Germany’s sixth goal of the afternoon.
Havertz completed the rout with his second goal of the match and his 24th international goal, sealing a remarkable 7-1 victory.
The scoreline mirrored Germany’s famous 7-1 victory over hosts Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
Neuer Makes History
Despite conceding once, Manuel Neuer achieved another milestone in his illustrious career.
At 40 years old, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper became the oldest German player ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup and is now competing in his fifth World Cup tournament.
Curacao coach Dick Advocaat also entered the history books as the oldest coach to manage a team at a World Cup finals, with the Dutchman overseeing the Caribbean nation’s historic debut at the age of 78.
The result leaves Germany top of Group E and sends an early warning to their rivals.
Nagelsmann’s side displayed the attacking quality, depth and ruthlessness that many believe could make them serious contenders to reclaim the World Cup title for the first time in 12 years.
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