Germany 7–1 Curaçao: Four-time champions run riot in Houston in record Group E opener
Germany sent out a statement of intent at the 2026 World Cup with a dominant 7–1 demolition of debutants Curaçao at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on June 14, 2026. Kai Havertz scored twice and Jamal Musiala dazzled as Julian Nagelsmann's side ran riot against World Cup first-timers.
Felix Nmecha opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a superb first-time finish into the far corner after a combination with Florian Wirtz. Curaçao showed spirit by equalizing in the 21st minute through Livano Comenencia, who slotted a left-footed shot through traffic. But Germany regained control, with Nico Schlotterbeck heading in from a corner in the 38th minute and Havertz converting a penalty in first-half stoppage time after Nmecha was fouled in the box. Germany went in 3–1 ahead at the break.
The second half was a procession. Musiala struck early on 47 minutes, Nathaniel Brown made it 5–1 on 68 minutes, Deniz Undav added a sixth on 78 minutes, and Havertz rounded off the scoring with his second goal in the 88th minute. The attendance of 68,021 witnessed one of the most emphatic World Cup opening results in recent memory.
Key moments
- •Germany's seven goals equals their joint-highest World Cup winning margin
- •Kai Havertz scored twice — a 45+5' penalty and an 88th-minute finish
- •Curaçao scored on their World Cup debut through Livano Comenencia in the 21st minute
- •Nmecha, Schlotterbeck, Musiala, Brown, Undav and Havertz all got on the scoresheet
- •68,021 fans watched at NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
Timeline
Match facts
- NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas
- 68,021 attendance
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- Referee: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
Match report generated from publicly available sources. Facts are drawn from the sources below.