World Cup hopefuls Germany kicked off their campaign against tournament debutants Curacao with a 7-1 thrashing in Group E.
Felix Nmecha scored the quickest goal of the tournament so far by slotting past Eloy Room just six minutes into the game before Curacao provided a shock to strike back on the break courtesy of Livano Comenenia whose deflected effort beat Manuel Neuer and levelled the game midway through the first half.
But, Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead for the four-time World Cup winners with a brilliantly directed header into the far, bottom corner and Kai Havertz converted a penalty to send the Germans into the half-time break 3-1 up.
Jamal Musiala continued Germany’s fine form with a beautifully placed finish just 90 seconds into the second half as the European heavyweights began to run riot. Nathaniel Brown’s first international goal added a fifth and Deniz Undav came off the bench to slot home the sixth.
Havertz had the final say and tapped in to bring a familiar scoreline as Germany, the perennial competition powerhouses, laid down a marker for a potential deep run over the next few weeks.
Follow all the reaction from the Group E clash in Houston with our live blog below:
Germany vs Curacao LIVE
- Germany defeat Curacao 7-1 in World Cup Group E | Live on ITV1
- 89' GOAL! Havertz's second goal adds a seventh (GER 7-1 CUW)
- 78' GOAL! Undav fires in the sixth (GER 6-1 CUW)
- 68' GOAL! Brown scores first goal for Germany (GER 5-1 CUW)
- 47' GOAL! Musiala strikes to increase lead (GER 4-1 CUW)
- 45+5' GOAL! Havertz slides in penalty to give Germany control (GER 3-1 CUW)
- 38' GOAL! Schlotterbeck heads Germany back in front (GER 2-1 CUW)
- 21' GOAL! Comenencia's deflected strike pulls Curacao level (GER 1-1 CUW)
- 6' GOAL! Nmecha guides stunning strike into back of net (GER 1-0 CUW)
Germany dominated
20:13 , Mike Jones
The quality of Germany is in full display when you dive into the stats.
They had an xG of 3.91 and exceeded that by three goals. The Germans had 26 shots with 12 of them on target as they controlled 65% of possession.
Curacao managed eight shots in reply with two of them on target. It was a very one-sided affair in the end.
FT Germany 7-1 Curacao
20:08 , Mike Jones
FT Germany 7-1 Curacao
20:03 , Mike Jones
What a start to the World Cup for Germany!
Ahead of the game this fixture looked like a one-sided affair and in the end it was.
Curacao made history by appearing in their first World Cup and they gave Germany a game for nearly 40 minutes.
But, the power and strength of the Germans was too much in the end and Julian Nagelsmann’s side romped to victory.
FULL TIME: Germany 7-1 Curacao
20:01 , Jack Tanner
Germany never got out of second gear despite a brief scare from Curacao. It is hard to judge Germany’s credentials based on that one, but Nagelsmann’s side will surely have further levels to reach.
For Curacao, a goal on their World Cup debut is small consolation for such a defeat. How they react against Ecuador will be key - can they build on their first performance?
Cutely-worked set-piece almost works for Germany
20:00 , Jack Tanner
90+5 mins: Germany 7-1 Curucao
Germany end this game with a floated free-kick that beats the offside trap. It is headed down for Goretzka, who cannot bring the ball under his spell.
WATCH: and Germany’s seventh...
19:58 , Jack Tanner
WATCH: Germany’s sixth...
19:55 , Jack Tanner
GOAL! Havertz at the double for Germany
19:53 , Jack Tanner
89 mins: Germany 7-1 Curacao
Kai Havertz becomes the first player to score more than once in this game - after eight goals. A lovely dinked effort punishes a cheap Curacao turnover. 7-1 is a familiar scoreline for the Germans, of course...
Room makes solid save with his feet
19:50 , Jack Tanner
85 mins: Germany 6-1 Curacao
Substitute David Raum almost becomes the eighth-different goalscorer in this game, but his low-drive is halted by the feet of Eloy Room.
Curacao trying to stem the flow
19:43 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lawrence Ostlere inside the NRG Stadium:
A pity for Curacao that defeat has become quite this heavy, but they are being utterly overrun now. Hopefully they can stem the flow and avoid any sort of record. The biggest ever loss in a World Cup is 10-1, so that should be safe. Germany’s biggest ever win is 8-0.
WATCH: Brown grabs Germany’s fifth
19:43 , Jack Tanner
Substitute Undav makes it six
19:42 , Jack Tanner
77 mins: Germany 6 - 1 Curacao
Dennis Undav is the next German to score here. Plenty of white shirts were queueing up, with Kimmich cutting back for Undav to place home.
Margaritha bends one over the bar
19:40 , Jack Tanner
76 mins: Germany 5-1 Curacao
Substitute Jearl Margaritha nearly takes full advantage of a rare Curacao attack, bending his effort over Manuel Neuer’s bar
Goal confirmed by speedy VAR check
19:33 , Jack Tanner
70 mins: Germany 5-1 Curacao
VAR puts fears into the hearts of all football fans, but this intervention is brief. The goal stands, but now we pause for a hydration break.
GOAL! Brown becomes fifth different goalscorer for Germany
19:32 , Jack Tanner
68 mins: Germany 5-1 Curacao
Nathan Brown makes it 5-1 - he takes an Undav flick on the volley and steers past Room. We will require a VAR check for offside, as it looks very tight.
Curacao have the ball in the back of the net
19:31 , Jack Tanner
66 mins: Germany 4-1 Curacao
Another Curacao free-kick leads to a Comenencia shot - which is so off target, it becomes a pass. Despite the clear offside Curacao put the ball in the back of the net - it obviously won’t count.
Sane misses gilt-edged chance for Germany
19:28 , Jack Tanner
63 mins: Germany 4-1 Curacao
A fantastic ball from Tah finds Leroy Sane, but the winger massively fluffs his lines one-on-one with Room. It should really be 5-1 to Germany.
Leandro Bacuna heads over
19:27 , Jack Tanner
61 mins: Germany 4-1 Curacao
A free-kick in a promising position for Curucao ends with Leandro Bacuna flashing a header over the bar.
WATCH: Musiala gets in on the scoring fun
19:18 , Jack Tanner
Germany go close again
19:17 , Jack Tanner
54 mins: Germany 4-1 Curucao
Wirtz is released by a quality Kimmich ball, but a last-ditch block denies the Liverpool attacker from making it five.
Room called into action again
19:15 , Jack Tanner
49 mins: Germany 4-1 Curucao
Germany looking for a fifth after an electric restart. Nmecha tries to overpower Room at the near post, but the Curucao goalkeeper was equal to the effort.
GOAL! Musiala makes it 4-1
19:11 , Jack Tanner
47 mins: Germany 4-1 Curucao
70 seconds into the second half, and we have the fifth goal of this game! Jamal Musiala is released into the box with the ball, and a tight angle he squeezes home Germany’s fourth.
Action resumes in Houston
19:08 , Jack Tanner
46 mins: Germany 3-1 Curucao
We’re back underway in Texas, Germany getting us restarted. Will we see another four goals in the second half?
WATCH: Havertz slots home to bolster Germany’s winning margin
19:07 , Jack Tanner
WATCH: Schlotterbeck’s headed effort that restored Germany’s lead
19:07 , Jack Tanner
WATCH: Curacao’s first World Cup goal
19:05 , Jack Tanner
Unsurprising stats from first half
19:05 , Jack Tanner
Aside from a brief dip in performance that allowed Curacao to score, Germany have been in control of this one. As such, it is no surprise that they’ve already had 16 shots on goal.
Curacao have dropped into a low-block as soon as Germany come forward, so it is no surprise that they have made 15 clearances and seven blocks in defence of their goal.
Germany have managed to breach that low block on a few occasions - explaining why they’ve had 36 touches in their opponents’ box compared to Curacao’s four.
WATCH: Nmecha’s opener captured by ref cam
19:00 , Jack Tanner
HT Germany take control against Curacao
18:59 , Jack Tanner
Three goals scored in the first half and Germany have control of this Group E fixture.
Half time whistle sounds in Houston
18:54 , Jack Tanner
Half-time: Germany 3 - 1 Curacao
Not completely convincing from Germany, but the favourites have punished the majority of Curacao’s mistakes. Curacao have been gritty and determined, but it will take a few lapses at the back for Germany to concede again.
GOAL! Havertz calm from the spot to double Germany’s lead
18:51 , Jack Tanner
45+3 mins: Germany 3 - 1 Curacao
Kai Havertz steps up for Germany - his stuttering run-up ends with a cool finish into the bottom left, sending the Curacao goalie the wrong way.
Germany penalty in stoppage time
18:50 , Jack Tanner
45+2 mins: Germany 2 - 1 Curacao
The answer was yes - there was plenty of time for more drama, as Germany win a penalty!
Bazoer arrives very late with his tackle on Nmecha. The referee immediately points towards the spot.
Four additional minutes in the first half
18:48 , Jack Tanner
45 mins: Germany 2 - 1 Curacao
We’ll have another four minutes added onto the first half. It’s been entertaining, especially the excitement of seeing Curacao’s first World Cup goal. Will there be any more drama before the break?
Another Germany corner
18:46 , Jack Tanner
44 mins: Germany 2 - 1 Curacao
Germany have looked dangerous at set-pieces - Schlotterbeck wins another header that leads to a second successive corner.
Curacao have gone flat
18:46 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lawrence Ostlere inside the NRG Stadium:
The mood inside the stadium has damped somewhat, with Curacao’s noisy fans feeling a little glum after watching that one go in. Though I blame the water break, which sucked away all their momentum both on the pitch and in the stands. What a pointless exercise under the roof in an air-conditioned stadium.
GOAL! Schotterbeck heads home to restore Germany’s lead
18:41 , Jack Tanner
38 mins: Germany 2 - 1 Curacao
Schlotterbeck proved he was an aerial threat earlier on, but Curacao clearly weren’t paying attention. He leaps highest - thanks to being unmarked - to steer Brown’s corner into the back of the net.
Germany pressure building upon Curacao
18:37 , Jack Tanner
33 mins: Germany 1 - 1 Curacao
This game settling back into the same pattern it had prior to the Curacao equaliser. Germany back to probing Curacao’s low block, without looking too threatening.
Schlotterbeck draws good save out of Eloy Room
18:31 , Jack Tanner
27 mins: Germany 1 - 1 Curacao
Nico Schlotterbeck is found at the back post at a German free-kick. His header is goal bound, but Eloy Room tips over at full-stretch.
Curacao deserve their moment
18:28 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lawrence Ostlere inside the NRG Stadium:
Well, that was incredible. The two big pockets of Curacao fans went absolutely bonkers as the ball hit the net, as did the journalist a couple of seats down from me, who stood up and shouted “We did it!” over and over again. I can’t begrudge him the moment. The wild thing is it had been coming, after a few promising moves by the Curacaoans. The water break came at a good time for Germany, who can reset. Curacao fans meanwhile are loving the Mariachi Band that has just popped out to entertain us.
Hydration break comes at a good time for Germany
18:26 , Jack Tanner
23 mins: Germany 1 - 1 Curacao
Moments after equalising, Curacao were back on the attack - a small penalty shout as Jonathan Tah muscles Jurgen Locadia to the floor.
No penalty is given, and the game pauses for a hydration break - the perfect chance for Germany to collect themselves.
GOAL! Curacao equalise out of nowhere!
18:25 , Jack Tanner
21 mins: Germany 1 - 1 Curacao
Germany have been pegged back by Curacao on another counter attack. The Germans semi-deal with Chong after he is released into the area, but the loose ball falls to Locadia. He tees up Livano Comenencia who lets fly - a deflection takes the ball past Manuel Neuer to send Curacao into dreamland.
Curacao finally getting consistent possession
18:22 , Jack Tanner
19 mins: Germany 1 - 0 Curacao
Curacao have just enjoyed a spell with the ball, passing it around without much penetration. A lapse for Germany allows Curacao to pour forward - a crossing opportunity becomes a long-range shot blasted over the bar.
Wirtz curls past the post for Germany
18:17 , Jack Tanner
14 mins: Germany 1 - 0 Curacao
As expected, Germany getting plenty of chances. Cutting from the left wing Florian Wirtz has the latest opportunity - he curls an effort past the far post. Curacao not getting much joy going forward so far.
Germany feeding Nmecha
18:15 , Jack Tanner
12 mins: Germany 1 - 0 Curacao
Looks like Germany are aware that Felix Nmecha is up for this one. Their latest attack is a floated cross towards the German no. 23, who manages to get a weak shot off after difficulty controlling the high ball.
Nmecha in the groove for Germany
18:11 , Jack Tanner
9 mins: Germany 1 - 0 Curacao
After a lovely curled effort to open the scores, Felix Nmecha is feeling himself. His latest effort is a powerful drive from outside the area that flies past the post - but not by much. Into 10 minutes played.
Lovely lay-off by Wirtz
18:11 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lawrence Ostlere inside the NRG Stadium:
That’s a lovely no-look lay-off by Wirtz and great finish by Nmecha. Curacao just need to steady the ship here or they risk sinking without a trace.
GOAL! Nmecha opens the scoring for Germany
18:08 , Jack Tanner
6 mins: Germany 1 - 0 Curacao
Germany’s early probing culiminates in a goal just after five minutes. Jamal Musiala had his initial effort blocked, but the Germans recycle possession - Felix Nmecha plays a smart one-two with Florian Wirtz on the edge of the area, curling home into the far corner.
Germany lead 1-0.
Germany vs Curacao: Debutants get us underway
18:03 , Jack Tanner
Curacao start their debut World Cup campaign by kicking this one off. Germany are in their traditional white shirts and black shorts, whilst Curacao are in blue shirts and yellow shorts.
Time for the anthems
17:55 , Jack Tanner
Kick off is moments away, and we’re onto the ceremonies for each side’s national anthem. Germany to sing first.
Will Curacao match Morocco’s newly-set record?
17:52 , Jack Tanner
Morocco made World Cup history with 11 players on the pitch all born outside of the country. Curacao also rely on their diaspora - with just one player born on the island featured in their 26-man squad.
However, that player is Tahith Chong, a key attacking feature for Curacao and is likely to play as much as possible.
Curacao fans enjoying themselves in Houston
17:47 , Lawrence Ostlere
Lawrence Ostlere inside the NRG Stadium:
Hello from the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, where the steep stands are starting to fill up. There are clearly more Germany fans than Curacao supporter inside the stadium, but the Curacaoans are making the most noise right now, singing and dancing and generally having a great time. It looks a lot more fun to be down there than up in this press box but I can’t complain. Their players look to be enjoying the occasion too, and were out earlier to wave and smile at their fans.
Germany hoping to arrest recent World Cup opener woes
17:27 , Jack Tanner
Germany have lost the opening game of their World Cup campaign on just three occasions across 21 tournaments. The problem? Two of those defeats have come in their last two World Cups.
Then reigning champions entering the 2018 World Cup, Germany lost 1-0 to Mexico before finishing bottom of their group. Four years (and five months) later the Germans again lost their opener - 2-1 to Japan - before failing to qualify for the knockouts.
Defeat to Curacao would top those embarrassments - even if the Germans recovered to qualify.
Curacao name first-ever World Cup starting XI
17:16 , Jack Tanner
The island nation may be the smallest country to qualify in World Cup history, but there are plenty of recognisable names to English football fans.
Brothers Leandro and Juninho Bacuna have played over 200 games each in England, whilst Tahith Chong came through the ranks at Manchester United.
Manager Dick Advocaat is familiar to English football thanks to his spell managing Sunderland.
Neuer and Havertz handed starts for Germany
17:10 , Jack Tanner
The headline news from the German camp is that legendary goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Arsenal striker Kai Havertz will start this evening.
Neuer is rewarded for ending his international retirement, quitting the German team after the 2024 Euros, with Oliver Baumann dropped.
Newcastle frontman Nick Woltemade had been Julian Nagelsmann’s preferred striker during qualifying, but Havertz gets the nod.
Germany team news
17:07 , Jack Tanner
Curacao team news
17:02 , Jack Tanner
Reunited Germany’s first World Cup game took place in the USA
16:43 , Jack Tanner
The USA played host to Germany’s first World Cup game after the West and East reunified during the 1994 edition of the tournament.
West Germany had lifted the World Cup in 1990 amidst the reunification process, explaining why the German squad for USA ‘94 featured only two East German internationals, Ulf Kirsten and Matthias Sammer.
Germany edged past Bolivia 1-0 courtesy of a Jurgen Klinsmann strike at Soldier Field in Chicago,
About today's venue
16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Home of the Houston Texans in the NFL, the ground generally known as NRG Stadium has been stripped of that title for the World Cup in accordance with Fifa rules. It is an impressive facility, twice hosting Super Bowls, and sits close to the Astrodome in a little collection of venues within the city.
Capacity: 72,000
Matches: Five group, one last 32, one last 16
World Cup 2026 fixtures, results and group tables
16:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Need a reminder of all the World Cup results so far and fixtures to come at this busy tournament? We’ve got you covered:
World Cup 2026 fixtures, results and group tables
Curacao squad and dangermen to watch
16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are a few familiar faces within the Curacao squad, including the Bacuna brothers – Leandro and Juninho both had stints in England and are likely to line up midfield. Jurgen Locadia looks set to feature, too, despite that red card after a horror tackle against Scotland, with he and Tahith Chong of Sheffield United key figures in the forward line.
Goalkeepers: Tyrick Bodak (SC Telstar), Trevor Doornbusch (VVV-Venlo), Eloy Room (Miami FC)
Defenders: Riechedly Bazoer (Konyaspor), Joshua Brenet (Kayserispor), Roshon Van Eijma (RKC Waalwijk), Sherel Floranus (PEC Zwolle), Deveron Fonville (NEC Nijmegen), Jurien Gaari (Abha Club), Armando Obispo (PSV Eindhoven), Shurandy Sambo (Sparta Rotterdam)
Midfielders: Juninho Bacuna (FC Volendam), Leandro Bacuna (Igdir), Livano Comenencia (FC Zurich), Kevin Felida (FC Den Bosch), Ar’Jany Martha (Rotherham), Tyrese Noslin (SC Telstar), Godfried Roemeratoe (RKC Waalwijk)
Forwards: Jeremy Antonisse (AE Kifisia), Tahith Chong (Sheffield United), Kenji Gorre (Maccabi Haifa), Sontje Hansen (Middlesbrough), Gervane Kastaneer (Terengganu), Brandley Kuwas (FC Volendam), Jurgen Locadia (Miami FC), Jearl Margaritha (SK Beveren)
Dick Advocaat back for more with Curacao
15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Dick Advocaat was coach of the Netherlands at the 1994 World Cup, the first of two stints with the Dutch national team in a sprawling managerial career that ended up in Curacao in 2024. It looked like a return to the tournament was off the cards when Advocaat stepped down earlier this year after his daughter was diagnosed with an illness, but the 78-year-old has returned to oversee this campaign.
Dick Advocaat to make World Cup history as he is reappointed Curacao manager
The Curacao blueprint and how Guyana are targeting a similar World Cup miracle
15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Curacao’s rise has others hoping that they can follow a similar template – and Guyana have advantages other nations in the region do not. Will Castle takes an in-depth look.
The Curacao blueprint and how Guyana are targeting a similar World Cup miracle
Curacao: How a tiny Caribbean island defied the odds to become the World Cup’s smallest nation
15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Curacao have none of that sort of World Cup heritage – the debutants are an amazing success story of competition expansion, as Lawrence Ostlere details:
How the tiny Caribbean island of Curacao reached the World Cup
Germany are no longer inevitable as painful World Cup failures loom large
15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Manuel Neuer was part of the Germany side that won the World Cup in 2014, but he and others in the squad will have rather more painful memories of the last two editions. Richard Jolly tries to figure out what went wrong – and if this time could be different.
Germany are no longer inevitable as painful World Cup failures loom large
Team news
15:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A bit of early team news for you, as it appears Manuel Neuer is set to start on his return from retirement. The goalkeeper had seemingly bowed out of international football after Euro 2024, but has been convinced to feature at one last tournament and squeezed out the unfortunate Oliver Baumann for the No 1 shirt after injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Manuel Neuer comes out of international retirement to make Germany World Cup squad
Germany vs Curacao
15:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s hot and stormy in Houston today, with Lawrence Ostlere our man in town after a couple of days in Los Angeles. The Independent’s chief sports writer is rather looking forward to watching Group E get going – it’s mighty intriguing.
World Cup 2026 – Group E guide: Germany battle Ecuador’s golden generation
Germany vs Curacao LIVE
09:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The World Cup rolls on with a clash of contrasts between tournament powerhouses Germany and debutants Curacao. Can the island nation, an overseas territory of the Netherlands, create a huge upset after an improbable qualification?
Kick off in Houston is at 6pm BST.
