HOUSTON — Germany opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curaçao on Sunday, producing the largest winning margin of the tournament so far and taking an early lead in Group E, according to FIFA match reports and team officials.
Four-time world champions Germany established control early when Felix Nmecha scored in the sixth minute. Curaçao, the smallest nation by population and area ever to qualify for a World Cup, responded in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, whose goal was the Caribbean side’s first in World Cup history, according to tournament records.
The equalizer briefly brought the teams level before Germany regained the lead through Nico Schlotterbeck in the 38th minute. Kai Havertz added a penalty before halftime, giving Germany a two-goal advantage at the break.
Germany extended its lead shortly after the restart when Jamal Musiala scored. Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav added further goals before Havertz completed his brace late in the match to seal the 7-1 result. Match reports said Germany controlled possession for long periods and created the majority of scoring opportunities throughout the contest.
The result marked Germany’s first opening-match victory at a World Cup since its title-winning campaign in 2014, according to the German Football Association and tournament records. It also provided an encouraging start for coach Julian Nagelsmann in his first World Cup as Germany manager.
Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao players and supporters celebrated a historic milestone after Comenencia’s goal. Fans continued to applaud the team after the final whistle, according to Reuters witnesses at the stadium.
“We are proud,” Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat said after the match, according to Reuters. The 78-year-old, who became the oldest coach to oversee a World Cup match, said the occasion remained significant for the island nation despite the scoreline.
Germany captain Manuel Neuer also reached a milestone, becoming the oldest player to appear for Germany at a major tournament, according to Reuters.
Following the result, Germany moved to the top of Group E on goal difference. Curaçao remained without points but secured a place in the tournament record books with its first World Cup goal. Germany is scheduled to face Ivory Coast in its next group-stage match, while Curaçao will play Ecuador as both teams continue their campaigns.
