Germany crush Curacao 7-1 as debutants make World Cup history
TLE DESK: Germany launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a commanding 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in their Group E opener at Houston Stadium on Sunday.
Despite the heavy defeat, Curacao celebrated a historic milestone by scoring their first-ever FIFA World Cup goal, while Germany underlined their status as title contenders with a ruthless attacking display.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes, registering the fastest goal of the tournament so far. Germany’s other goals came through Nico Schlotterbeck, Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, Deniz Undav and a brace from Kai Havertz.
Curacao, the smallest nation by both population and land area ever to appear at a World Cup finals, earned a memorable moment in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia netted the country’s first World Cup goal, briefly leveling the match at 1-1 and drawing the loudest cheers from the crowd of 68,021 spectators.
Germany restored their lead before halftime when Schlotterbeck headed home from a Brown corner in the 38th minute. Havertz then converted a penalty after Nmecha was fouled inside the box, giving Germany a 3-1 advantage at the break.
The four-time world champions dominated the second half, with Musiala extending the lead shortly after the restart before Brown and Undav added further goals. Havertz completed the scoring with his second strike of the night.
The match also produced several notable records. Curacao coach Dick Advocaat, aged 78, became the oldest coach in World Cup history. Meanwhile, Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, at 40, became the oldest German player to appear in a major international tournament, surpassing the previous record held by Lothar Matthäus.
Although Curacao suffered a heavy defeat, the Caribbean nation’s historic first appearance on football’s biggest stage and its maiden World Cup goal ensured a memorable occasion.
The victory gives Germany an early boost in Group E and sends a strong warning to rivals as Julian Nagelsmann’s side begin their quest for a fifth World Cup title in convincing style.
