Germany ran out emphatic 7-1 winners over Curaçao in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday, with Kai Havertz scoring twice at 45’+5′ and 88′ as Julian Nagelsmann’s side took control in Houston after Felix Nmecha’s early opener set the tone.
At NRG Stadium, Germany turned sustained pressure into a one-sided Group E result, finishing with 64.7 percent possession, 26 shots and 12 efforts on target. For long stretches, Curaçao were pinned deep as Germany circulated the ball quickly, attacked the half-spaces and repeatedly found runners beyond the back line.
The breakthrough arrived in the 6th minute when Felix Nmecha made it 1-0, rewarding Germany’s bright start. Curaçao responded impressively, though, and found their moment in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, whose finish brought the underdogs level at 1-1 and briefly gave the fixture a different complexion.
That parity did not last. Germany regained control with Nico Schlotterbeck’s 38th-minute header, a goal that restored their lead and underlined their superiority from set-piece and wide delivery situations. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot at 45’+5′ to send Germany into the interval with a 3-1 advantage.
Any hope Curaçao had of mounting a second-half response faded almost immediately. Jamal Musiala struck in the 47th minute to make it 4-1, a pivotal early second-half moment that effectively settled the contest. From there, Germany played with freedom, moving the ball sharply and forcing Curaçao into long defensive stretches.
Nathaniel Brown added the fifth in the 68th minute, capping another fluid attacking move, before substitute Deniz Undav got on the scoresheet in the 78th minute. Havertz then completed his brace in the 88th minute, applying the final touch to a commanding evening for a Germany side that looked every bit like one of the tournament’s early pace-setters.
Key performers
Havertz’s two-goal contribution gave Germany a reliable focal point in the final third, while Musiala’s 47th-minute goal brought his usual incision between the lines. Nmecha’s early strike set the platform, and Schlotterbeck’s goal was important in swinging momentum back after Curaçao had equalised. Brown and Undav also added to the sense of depth in this Germany squad, with scorers coming from across the pitch and from different phases of play.
For Curaçao, Comenencia’s 21st-minute goal was the clear highlight. Even in a difficult result, that equaliser represented a memorable World Cup moment and a reminder that they could still trouble established opposition when transitions opened up.
NerdSports Stat: Germany had seven different goal contributions from six scorers, and five of their seven goals came either just before halftime or after the break from the 45th minute onward, showing how decisively they controlled both side of the interval.
The broader picture is encouraging for Germany. Opening the group stage with seven goals and a +6 goal difference gives them an immediate lift in the Group E table, while the volume of chances created will only add to the optimism around a side already featuring prominently in World Cup conversation. Curaçao, meanwhile, leave Houston with work to do in their next fixture, knowing goal difference could matter later in the section.
Germany will aim to carry this momentum into their next Group E outing as they push for early qualification, while Curaçao need a response in their second fixture to keep their knockout hopes alive after a difficult opening test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Germany: Felix Nmecha 6′, Nico Schlotterbeck 38′, Kai Havertz 45’+5′ (pen), Jamal Musiala 47′, Nathaniel Brown 68′, Deniz Undav 78′, Kai Havertz 88′. Curaçao: Livano Comenencia 21′.
Germany 7 – 1 Curaçao.
Germany open Group E with three points and a strong goal difference boost, while Curaçao begin with no points and face pressure in their next fixture.
Kai Havertz was the standout performer with two goals, including a penalty in first-half stoppage time and a late finish in the 88th minute.
