Germany began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign decisively, thrashing Curaçao 7-1 in their Group E opener.
The four-time world champions took the lead after just six minutes through Felix Nmecha, but Curaçao responded when Livano Comenencia equalised in the 21st minute.
Germany quickly reasserted their control. Nico Schlotterbeck restored their lead in the 38th minute before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 3-1 at the break.
Any hopes of a Curaçao comeback disappeared two minutes into the second half when Jamal Musiala struck. Nathaniel Brown added a fifth in the 68th minute, Deniz Undav made it six 10 minutes later, and Havertz completed his brace in the 88th minute.
Germany dominated throughout, registering 26 shots to Curaçao’s eight, with 11 on target compared to their opponents’ two. Julian Nagelsmann’s side also enjoyed 54 per cent possession, completed 561 passes, and won eight corners.
All seven German goals came from inside the penalty area, underlining their attacking efficiency against a Curaçao side making its World Cup debut.
The victory puts Germany in a strong early position in Group E as they chase a fifth World Cup title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014.
Despite the heavy defeat, Curaçao celebrated a historic milestone as Comenencia scored the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.
