A similar taste of 2014?: Germany demolish debutants Curacao 7-1 in their World Cup group opener

Germany start their 2026 World Cup campaign in perfect fashion. (Image credits – Veci verejné, License Deatils)

Germany kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao in Houston, moving them to the top of Group E. Julian Nagelsmann's team did not enter the United States as favourites, and their performance in the previous two editions was disappointing, as they were eliminated from the group stage on consecutive occasions. Despite all of the doubts about Die Mannschaft this time, Nagelsmann's team reminded the world why Germany is still a traditional football powerhouse.

The four-time world champions arrived on the pitch under a lot of pressure, especially after failing to advance past the group stage in 2018 and 2022. Their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign also ended prematurely in the quarterfinals, at home. Many questioned the team's ability to compete with the world's best, but their performance against the debutants was quite different from what everyone expected. Germany dominated the game from the start and scored quickly.

Germany's early pressure was rewarded with a brilliant goal by midfielder Felix Nmecha, giving them the perfect start. Curaçao, on the other hand, made an impression on global television by scoring an equaliser against the run of play, their first World Cup goal, a historic moment for the small island nation. Livano Comenencia scored their first goal on football's biggest stage. As they scored, the celebrations went completely wild, reflecting how much it meant to the country and its fans.

However, the Germans were not in the mood for mercy and responded quickly. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a brilliant header from a corner before in-form Kai Havertz extended their lead to two goals from the penalty spot on the stroke of halftime. When Nagelsmann's team scored their third goal, the tie appeared to be over, but they refused to back down and continued to attack with the same zeal and ruthlessness. Germany's X-factor at the World Cup, Jamal Musiala, produced a moment of individual brilliance to extend the lead to three goals. Throughout the game, the Curacao defence struggled to contain Musiala.

Nathaniel Brown, a new signing for Bayern Munich, also scored before Deniz Undav, who came off the bench, added the sixth goal, demonstrating Germany's bench strength. Havertz completed his brace late in the game as Die Mannschaft cruised to a 7-1 victory over the debutants, a scoreline that still trembles the Brazilian streets. Beyond the scoreline, Nagelsmann's team demonstrated a level of football that impressed fans who had previously doubted him. They pressed aggressively for 90 minutes and were at ease in possession. The link-up play between Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz was brilliant, and they will pose a threat to any team they face in the World Cup.

The only negative aspect of this performance from Germany's perspective is Leroy Sane. The former Bayern Munich and Manchester City winger appeared to lack confidence and made silly mistakes in possession throughout the game. He also missed a sitter in the first half, prompting fans and pundits to demand that the manager remove him from the starting lineup in the upcoming games. Germany's victory, and the manner in which it was achieved, sent a message to all of its rivals. They will, however, face formidable opponents in the next round: Ivory Coast and Ecuador.

This defeat will be painful for Curacao, but there are many reasons to be optimistic. The Caribbean island became one of the smallest nations to compete in the World Cup, and while they lost the game, they can be proud of scoring their first goal in the tournament, against four-time world champions Germany. This game also featured a brilliant contrast on the sidelines, with 78-year-old Dick Advocaat becoming the tournament's oldest manager and Nagelsmann the youngest. Ultimately, in the battle of experience versus youth, the latter won due to superior on-field performance.