Germany opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over debutants Curaçao in Group E at Houston, recording their first winning start to a World Cup since they lifted the trophy in 2014.

The result also marks the first time Germany have beaten a side 7-1 at a World Cup since their legendary semifinal demolition of hosts Brazil twelve years ago.

The goals

Felix Nmecha broke the deadlock early, only for Livano Comenencia to level with a deflected effort that sent the Curaçao supporters — known as the Blue Wave — into celebrations inside the Houston stadium.

The equaliser proved short-lived. Nico Schlotterbeck, Kai Havertz — who helped himself to a double — Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown, and Deniz Undav all found the net to put the outcome well beyond doubt and extinguish any remote prospect of a World Cup upset.

Historic night for Curaçao despite the defeat

Although the scoreline was brutal, the occasion carried genuine historic weight for the Caribbean nation. Curaçao became the smallest country — by both population and land area — ever to compete at a FIFA World Cup, and Comenencia's strike entered the record books as the team's first-ever World Cup goal.

The gap in class between the two sides ultimately told, as Curaçao came up against one of international football's most decorated nations. Still, the milestone of simply reaching this stage represents a remarkable achievement for the tiny island.

Germany's road ahead

Germany will now face stiffer opposition in Group E, with Ecuador and Ivory Coast still to come. Sunday's emphatic win, however, places them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time since 2014 — a tournament in which they were crowned champions.