Germany crush Curacao 7-1 in dominant FIFA World Cup 2026 opener

Germany launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing debutants Curacao 7-1 in Houston on Monday.

Midfielder Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead in the sixth minute, finishing off a well-worked move set up by Florian Wirtz. Curacao responded impressively and levelled the match in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, whose strike marked the nation’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

The equaliser briefly unsettled Germany, but the four-time world champions regained control before half-time. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead in the 38th minute, powering home a header from a corner kick.

Germany extended their advantage just before the break when Nmecha was brought down inside the penalty area. Kai Havertz stepped up and calmly converted the spot-kick to send his side into half-time with a 3-1 lead.

The Germans continued their dominance after the interval. Joshua Kimmich’s precise pass found Jamal Musiala inside the box, and the midfielder made no mistake as he slotted home Germany’s fourth goal shortly after the restart.

Substitute Deniz Undav made an immediate impact, helping Germany pile on the pressure. He set up Nathaniel Brown for the fifth goal in the 68th minute before getting on the scoresheet himself 10 minutes later to make it 6-1.

Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute, capping a commanding German performance and sealing a comprehensive 7-1 victory.

The result gives Germany an ideal start to their World Cup campaign, while Curacao, despite scoring a historic first World Cup goal, were outclassed by one of the tournament favourites.