Germany rout Curacao 7-1 in World Cup opener

Germany, one of the title favorites at the 2026 North America World Cup, opened their campaign with a commanding 7-1 victory over Curacao, the small Caribbean island nation making its World Cup debut.

Germany defeated Curacao on Sunday in their Group E opener at Houston Stadium in Texas. Six different players got on the scoresheet, headlined by Kai Havertz, who scored twice. Dennis Undav contributed a goal and two assists, while Joshua Kimmich recorded multiple assists.

Germany seized control just six minutes in. Felix Nmecha combined in a one-two with Florian Wirtz near the penalty arc, drove into the box and finished with a first-time shot to open the scoring.

Curacao refused to fold quietly. In the 21st minute, they converted their first shot on target in World Cup history to level the match. The goal came from Livano Comenencia, who plays for Zurich in Switzerland — he pounced on a rebound after a teammate's effort deflected off a defender and drove it home with his left foot.

Germany responded by turning up the pressure. Nico Schlotterbeck headed in a precise corner-kick delivery from Nathaniel Brown in the 38th minute to restore the lead, and Havertz converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to send Germany into the break at 3-1.

The second half brought more of the same. Jamal Musiala scored his first World Cup goal just two minutes after the restart, and Brown struck again in the 68th minute with a stunning right-footed volley.

Ten minutes later, substitute Undav raced onto a cutback pass from Kimmich and slotted home to make it 6-1. Havertz then completed his brace in the 88th minute, chipping goalkeeper Eloy Room with a deft lob to seal a 7-1 rout.