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Germany recovered from an early setback to begin their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a stunning 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in their Group E opener in Houston.
The four-time world champions took the lead after just six minutes when midfielder Felix Nmecha curled a powerful effort into the net to register the fastest goal of the tournament so far.
Curacao make history despite defeat
Curacao, appearing at their first-ever World Cup, responded impressively and stunned Germany midway through the first half.
Zurich midfielder Livano Comenencia etched his name into the nation’s football history with a deflected strike from outside the box in the 21st minute to level the score.
The Caribbean side, the smallest nation ever to feature at a World Cup, briefly threatened another surprise when forward Jurgen Locadia appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty after a challenge from Jonathan Tah.
However, Germany regained control before the break. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck restored their advantage with a near-post header from Nathaniel Brown’s corner before Kai Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha inside the area.
Germany run riot after the break
Germany put the contest beyond doubt shortly after the restart.
Jamal Musiala scored less than two minutes into the second half after being picked out by Joshua Kimmich, extending Germany’s lead to 4-1.
Brown then got on the scoresheet himself, volleying home after a clever flick from substitute Deniz Undav.
Undav added Germany’s sixth goal moments later from another Kimmich assist before Havertz completed his brace two minutes from time with a delicate finish over goalkeeper Eloy Room.
The emphatic victory sends Germany to the top of Group E and underlines their credentials as title contenders, while Curacao, despite their historic first World Cup goal, were left to reflect on a difficult introduction to football’s biggest stage.