Germany opened their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a commanding victory over Curacao in Group E — and two of the architects of that win once represented England at youth level, a fact that will not have been lost on Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.

Felix Nmecha struck first, curling Germany into the lead in the 6th minute. It was the Borussia Dortmund midfielder's ninth senior cap, yet before switching his international allegiance, Nmecha came through the England youth system all the way up to the Under-19s. He is also the brother of Leeds United's Lukas Nmecha, and a former Manchester City academy graduate.

Nmecha was at the heart of the action throughout the opening exchanges, winning the penalty from which Germany scored their third goal and nearly adding a second himself shortly after his opener.

Musiala adds a fourth for Germany

Jamal Musiala, the Bayern Munich star who has taken on the no. 10 role for Germany at just 23 years of age, rounded off the scoring with the fourth goal. His international story is perhaps even more striking: Musiala trained at St George's Park alongside Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer and represented England as recently as the Under-21 level before committing to Germany.

Both players were born in Germany and play their club football in the Bundesliga, which likely made the pull of Die Mannschaft feel natural. Still, watching the pair thrive on the World Cup stage will have been a sobering moment for the England camp.

Curacao make World Cup history

Curacao, making their first-ever World Cup appearance, showed spirit despite the gulf in quality. Former Manchester United academy winger Tahith Chong was a lively presence for the debutants. They etched their name into the history books in the 20th minute when FC Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia levelled the match at 1-1 — the first World Cup goal in the nation's history.

Germany restored their lead through a corner-kick header from Nico Schlotterbeck, and the game was put beyond doubt before full time.

Ivory Coast and Ecuador, the other two teams in Group E, met later that same day. England, meanwhile, are set to begin their own World Cup campaign against Croatia at 9pm BST on Wednesday, 17 June.