Germany thrashed Curaçao 7-1 in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E match on Sunday at Houston Stadium in Houston.
The four-time champions delivered a dominant performance to secure three points and boost their qualification hopes, while the debutants from the Caribbean nation scored their first-ever World Cup goal but ultimately fell short against superior opposition.
Felix Nmecha scored in the 6th minute assisted by Florian Wirtz. Livano Comenencia (Curaçao) replied in the 21st minute. Nico Schlotterbeck (Germany) added a goal in the 38th minute assisted by Nathaniel Brown. Kai Havertz converted a penalty in the 45+5th minute and scored again in the 88th minute assisted by Deniz Undav. Jamal Musiala struck in the 47th minute assisted by Joshua Kimmich. Nathaniel Brown netted in the 68th minute assisted by Deniz Undav. Deniz Undav completed the scoring in the 78th minute assisted by Joshua Kimmich. Germany asserted control early with relentless pressure, briefly conceded an equalizer, then overwhelmed Curaçao after halftime with clinical finishing and superior midfield dominance.
Germany top Group E with three points and a +6 goal difference after one match. Curaçao sit at the bottom with zero points and a -6 goal difference. The result underscores Germany’s strong start in a group also featuring Ivory Coast and Ecuador. Germany face Côte d’Ivoire on June 20.