Germany 7-1 Curaçao: Havertz Brace and Musiala Magic as Four-Time Champions Run Riot
Germany opened their World Cup campaign with a statement 7-1 demolition of debutants Curaçao in Houston — though Livano Comenencia's early equaliser gave the Caribbean nation a historic moment to savour.
Germany announced themselves at the 2026 World Cup with a score that will fuel debate about the expanded 48-team field as readily as it will draw admiration. Julian Nagelsmann's four-time champions dismantled debut nation Curaçao 7-1 at NRG Stadium in Houston on Sunday, in a result that was emphatic from the moment Felix Nmecha curled into the far corner after six minutes — and only ever paused, briefly, when the Caribbean underdogs replied.
That pause was the afternoon's most charming moment. Livano Comenencia's 21st-minute effort, deflecting past goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, gave Curaçao their first goal in World Cup history and sparked celebrations in the stands that had nothing to do with the scoreline. The island nation, with a population of under 160,000, had earned their place in the world game's biggest competition and announced it on the board. Germany had other ideas.
Nico Schlotterbeck's unmarked header from a corner in the 38th minute restored the lead, and Kai Havertz rolled in a penalty before half-time after Riechedly Bazoer brought down Nmecha. The second half was a procession of quality: Jamal Musiala latched onto Joshua Kimmich's defence-splitting pass and swept home within minutes of the restart; Nathaniel Brown, making his international debut, finished a volley with composure that belied the occasion; substitute Deniz Undav made it six from close range; and Havertz completed his brace late on.
The reaction to the result has been as much about the format as the football. Germany produced their highest-scoring World Cup group game since 2002, and the gap in class between the sides was never in doubt. Whether a tournament in which such mismatches are inevitable at the group stage serves the competition's credibility is a conversation that will run for weeks. Curaçao played with the spirit their occasion demanded — just not the level.
For Germany, the numbers are excellent and the early mood is confident. Group E continues with Côte d'Ivoire and Ecuador also in the mix; the four-time champions are in command of their own path.
Sources: ESPN — Germany 7-1 Curaçao: Havertz scores twice as Nagelsmann's men run riot · Sky Sports — Germany 7-1 Curaçao: Caribbean debutants given a thumping in Group E · FIFA — Germany vs Curaçao 7-1 Match Report
