Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany delivered a stunning statement of intent to open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, thrashing debutants Curaçao 7-1 at a sun-baked NRG Stadium in Houston on Saturday evening. Before a crowd of 68,021 — one of the largest of the opening round — Die Mannschaft combined ruthless efficiency with moments of genuine brilliance to serve notice that they are serious contenders for glory on North American soil.
Felix Nmecha’s early curler put Germany ahead, before Livano Comenencia equalised in the 21st minute — writing his name into World Cup history as the scorer of Curaçao’s first-ever goal at the tournament. But it proved a mere footnote. Nico Schlotterbeck’s header restored the lead, Kai Havertz converted a penalty before the break, and a second half featuring Jamal Musiala’s first World Cup goal, further strikes from Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav, and a second from Havertz completed a scoreline that will reverberate around the tournament.
Nmecha Sets The Tone Inside Six Minutes
Germany controlled possession from the first whistle and forged the opening goal in the sixth minute. A sharp one-two between Nmecha and Florian Wirtz in a tight space created the chance, and the midfielder curled a precise finish into the far corner from around 16 yards. Nmecha went close again moments later, while Leroy Sané and Wirtz both threatened before Curaçao conjured their moment of history.
A Curaçao breakaway saw the ball fall to Livano Comenencia, whose deflected effort found the back of Manuel Neuer’s net — Curaçao’s first-ever goal at a World Cup, producing scenes of jubilation from the Caribbean island nation’s travelling supporters and a moment that will live long in football folklore. “For the country, it was an incredible moment,” Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat — at 78, the oldest manager at the tournament — acknowledged afterwards. “We’re a tiny place compared with Germany.”
Schlotterbeck And Havertz Restore German Order Before Half Time
Germany reasserted themselves swiftly. Nathaniel Brown’s delivery from a corner found Schlotterbeck at the back post, and the centre-back powered in a header for his first international goal in the 38th minute. Moments before the break, Felix Nmecha was fouled in the area by Riechedly Bazoer, and Havertz made no mistake from the spot to give Germany a commanding 3-1 lead at half time.
Musiala Announces Himself On The World Stage
The second half belonged to Jamal Musiala. Just two minutes after the restart, Joshua Kimmich picked out the Bayern Munich attacker with a perfectly-weighted pass, and Musiala guided a precise finish across Room into the far corner — his first goal at a World Cup, on a night that the 21-year-old will never forget. “He needs minutes, and he has got better with every training session. We trust him completely. We need Jamal if we want to have a really good World Cup,” Nagelsmann had said before kick-off, and the forward repaid that faith emphatically.
Germany’s afternoon then became something close to a masterclass. Deniz Undav, introduced for Musiala on 64 minutes, brilliantly flicked the ball into Brown’s path for the full-back to finish from 12 yards in the 68th minute — Brown’s first World Cup goal, delivered in front of his own family in the stands. Kimmich then squared for Undav just outside the six-yard box in the 78th minute to make it 6-1. Havertz wrapped up an extraordinary evening with a delicate lob after driving through on goal in the 88th minute — his second of the night, Germany’s seventh.
Nagelsmann: “You Still Have To Go Out And Score Seven Goals”
Nagelsmann was measured in his assessment but clearly pleased. “I was absolutely delighted for the team,” the Germany coach said. “We were heavy favourites today, but Curaçao played better than everyone expected. They also played differently to how they had in all their previous games. We conceded from their first attack and had to take a moment to settle. You still have to go out and score seven goals in a game like that. There were good things, but also areas we can analyse.”
Havertz, finishing with two goals, kept perspective: “There’s always room for improvement, but it was an excellent result and a really good game. We should take a lot of energy from it.” Nmecha was elated: “I’m still just taking in what’s happened, and I’m just happy. It’s a very special moment for me and my family.” Brown summed up the night: “It’s hard to put into words, scoring here in my first World Cup game. My family are here as well, which makes it incredible.”
What’s Next For Germany?
Manuel Neuer also made his long-awaited return to the German national team, stepping back after stepping away following Euro 2024. Germany now have an excellent platform in Group E and will look to build on this performance in their second fixture. Elsewhere at the World Cup, Group F produced its own opening-round drama, as the tournament’s earliest matches set up a tantalising series of knockout races to come. For Germany, however, mission accomplished — and then some.
