Germany launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling debutants Curacao 7-1 in a Group E match played at NRG Stadium in Houston in front of 68,021 fans.

Felix Nmecha set Germany on their way with a curling strike in the 6th minute, but the contest briefly took a dramatic turn when Livano Comenencia etched his name into the history books — netting Curacao's first ever goal at a FIFA World Cup to level at 1-1 in the 21st minute.

Germany restore order before half-time

The equaliser proved no more than a footnote. Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany's lead with a header in the 38th minute, and Kai Havertz added a penalty just before the break — in the 45+1' — to give the Europeans a commanding 3-1 advantage at half-time.

Germany wasted no time extending that lead in the second half. Jamal Musiala finished brilliantly from an angle after a pass from Joshua Kimmich in the 47th minute, before left-back Nathaniel Brown surged forward to volley home from an advanced position in the 68th minute.

Late goals put gloss on the scoreline

Substitute Deniz Undav made it 6-1 in the 78th minute after coming off the bench, and Havertz capped a dominant performance with a composed finish in the 87th minute to complete his brace and seal the emphatic victory.

Curacao — the smallest nation ever to appear at a FIFA World Cup — battled throughout but were comprehensively outclassed. Their historic goal from Comenencia will remain a proud moment for the Caribbean island despite the heavy defeat.

Germany move into their World Cup campaign with maximum points and a statement scoreline, while Curacao now face a steep challenge if they are to make any further impression on Group E.