Germany rout Curacao 7-1 but Comenecia's equaliser steals the World Cup spotlight

Germany launched their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao at Houston Stadium, but the scoreline tells only half the story. For a few extraordinary minutes, Livano Comenecia’s equaliser had threatened to produce the biggest shock in World Cup history before Julian Nagelsmann’s side regained their composure and pulled clear.

Felix Nmecha opened the scoring inside six minutes, curling a fine finish into the far corner after a deft lay-off from Florian Wirtz. Germany dominated possession and created a string of further chances, yet it was Curacao who found the net next. Comenecia capitalised on slack defending from Nico Schlotterbeck to rifle a shot past Manuel Neuer, sending the 7,000 travelling supporters from the Caribbean island into delirium and leaving a four-time world champion in complete shock.

The equaliser proved short-lived. Schlotterbeck made partial amends by restoring Germany’s lead before half-time, and Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot after Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha to make it 3-1. Jamal Musiala added a fourth to put the result beyond doubt.

The second half became an exercise in damage limitation for 78-year-old Curacao manager Dick Advocaat — the oldest coach in World Cup history — as Germany continued to press. Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav both got on the scoresheet, before Havertz completed the rout with his second of the afternoon to seal a 7-1 final scoreline.

The result carries significant weight for Germany beyond the three points. Nagelsmann’s side have failed to advance past the group stage at each of the past two World Cups, and the pressure to restore the nation’s standing in the tournament has been immense. A seven-goal opening win goes some way toward easing those concerns.

For Curacao, making their World Cup debut against one of the sport’s most decorated nations, the afternoon still produced a moment of genuine history. Comenecia’s goal — however briefly it stood — will be replayed for years in a country whose entire population could have fitted inside the stadium they played in.