Germany Hit Seven Past Debutants Curaçao

Group Stage · Group E · NRG Stadium, Houston · June 14, 2026

Germany opened their World Cup with a 7-1 rout of Curaçao in Houston, with Kai Havertz scoring twice and six different players finding the net.

Felix Nmecha put Germany ahead in the sixth minute from Florian Wirtz’s pass, but Livano Comenencia stunned them with an equalizer in the 21st. Germany took control from there. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead in the 38th, Havertz scored a penalty in first-half stoppage time, and Jamal Musiala made it 4-1 two minutes after the break. Nathaniel Brown, substitute Deniz Undav and Havertz again completed the scoring.

Germany had 26 shots, 12 on target, and 4.22 expected goals. Joshua Kimmich set up two goals, and Undav scored one and assisted two after coming on in the 64th minute.

Germany lead Group E with three points.

More: Germany at the 2026 World Cup · Curaçao at the 2026 World Cup · Group E guide

ESO Soccer Match Desk

Archive coverage. First published on ESO Soccer on October 1, 2026. The archive date reflects the events covered.