Germany crush debutants Curacao 7-1 in World Cup Group E

The German national team opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dominant 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao at Houston Stadium on Sunday, establishing an early three-point lead at the top of Group E.

Ruthless start sets tone

Felix Nmecha gave Germany an early lead in the sixth minute, playing a one-two with Florian Wirtz before curling a finish into the far corner. Curacao celebrated a historic moment in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia netted his country's first-ever World Cup goal to level the scores, though Nico Schlotterbeck restored Germany's advantage in the 38th minute by converting Nathaniel Brown's delivery from a corner. Kai Havertz extended the lead from the penalty spot in added time at the end of the first half, awarded after Felix Nmecha was fouled in the box.

Second-half salvo seals rout

Germany picked up where they left off immediately after the interval, with Joshua Kimmich threading a pass into the path of Jamal Musiala who made no mistake for the fourth goal in the 47th minute. Nathaniel Brown added a spectacular volley in the 68th minute before substitute Deniz Undav tapped home the sixth, and Havertz completed his brace with a solo run and finish two minutes from time to cap a dominant display.

Group E standings

The result sends Germany to the summit of Group E on goal difference, while Curacao prop up the table after suffering a heavy defeat on their World Cup bow. The Caribbean side's consolation strike marked their first at this level, but the seven-goal margin represented a sobering introduction to tournament football against one of Europe's traditional powerhouses.