Germany crushes Curaçao 7-1 to open 2026 World Cup campaign in Houston

Germany opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with an offensive masterclass, crushing Curaçao 7-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, June 14. Julian Nagelsmann can be satisfied with an unambiguous start, even if the early stages held a small surprise.

The Germans took the lead as early as the 6th minute through Nmecha, but Curaçao — one of four nations competing in their first World Cup, alongside Cape Verde, Uzbekistan and Jordan — showed merit in responding. Comenencia equalized in the 21st minute, offering a brief moment of suspense at NRG Stadium. Germany’s response was immediate and clinical: Schlötterbeck (38’) then Havertz from the penalty spot (45+5’) allowed the Mannschaft to head into the break with a two-goal advantage.

The second half left no doubt about the hierarchy. Musiala extended the lead as early as the 47th minute, before Brown (68’) and Undav (78’) stretched the gap further. Havertz capped off the evening with a second goal in the 88th minute to set the final score at 7-1.

Germany, placed in Group E, now awaits the result of the match between Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador to know their exact position in the group. Their next fixture is scheduled for June 20 against the Ivorian side, a clash that promises to be far more competitive than this opening performance.