Sports Desk: Germany announced themselves as serious contenders at the FIFA World Cup 2026, producing a devastating attacking display to thrash tournament debutants Curacao 7-1 in their Group E opener in Houston. The four-time world champions wasted little time in taking control of the contest, with Felix Nmecha finding the net in the sixth minute to hand Germany an early lead. Curacao, however, scripted a historic moment when Livano Comenencia scored the Caribbean nation’s first-ever World Cup goal to level the match in the 21st minute.
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Germany quickly regained their composure and restored their advantage through defender Nico Schlotterbeck before Kai Havertz converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-1. The second half belonged entirely to Julian Nagelsmann’s side. Jamal Musiala dazzled with a fine finish shortly after the restart, while Nathaniel Brown and substitute Deniz Undav added their names to the scoresheet. Havertz completed his brace late in the match to seal an emphatic victory. The commanding win also saw Germany create history by overtaking Brazil as the highest-scoring nation in FIFA World Cup history.
Despite the heavy defeat, Curacao earned widespread admiration for reaching the World Cup for the first time. With a population of around 160,000, they are the smallest nation ever to participate in the tournament, and Comenencia’s goal provided a memorable highlight for their supporters. Germany’s ruthless performance sends a strong message to their rivals as they seek a fifth World Cup title. Curacao, meanwhile, will look to build on their historic achievement when they return to action in their remaining Group E fixtures.
