Germany 7-1 Curaçao – Group stage, Group E result

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continued its opening drama in Houston as Germany faced Curaçao at the NRG Stadium on 14 June. The encounter formed part of the Group E round-robin, with both sides looking to start their campaign on a positive note. A packed arena watched a high-tempo contest that ultimately produced a seven-goal showcase for the German side.

How it unfolded

The match began at a frenetic pace, and Germany drew first blood inside the opening ten minutes. In the 6th minute, Felix Nmecha slotted a right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, after a precise assist from Florian Wirtz. The early strike put the hosts ahead and set the tempo for the rest of the half.

Curaçao responded quickly, restoring parity in the 21st minute when Livano Comenencia unleashed a left-footed effort from the centre of the box that found the bottom left corner, leveling the score at 1-1. The equaliser gave the Caribbean side a brief surge of confidence before Germany re-asserted control.

Just before the hour-mark, Germany reclaimed the lead. In the 38th minute, Nico Schlotterbeck rose to meet a corner cross from Nathaniel Brown, heading the ball from very close range into the bottom left corner to make it 2-1. The goal demonstrated Germany’s effectiveness from set-pieces.

The first half concluded with a penalty conversion. After a foul in the box, Kai Havertz stepped up in added time of the first half (45'+5') and calmly placed a left-footed shot into the bottom left corner, extending the lead to 3-1 at the break.

The second half opened with another swift German response. Merely two minutes after the restart, Jamal Musiala received a through ball from Joshua Kimmich and fired a right-footed strike from the right side of the box into the bottom left corner, pushing the score to 4-1.

Germany’s dominance continued in the 68th minute when Nathaniel Brown, who had earlier provided the corner assist, turned his own right-footed shot from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, making it 5-1.

Ten minutes later, Deniz Undav added his name to the scoresheet. A right-footed strike from the centre of the box, set up by a second assist from Joshua Kimmich, found the bottom left corner to bring the tally to 6-1.

The final blow arrived in the 88th minute. Kai Havertz, already on the scoresheet, completed a fast-break move with a left-footed finish from the centre of the box, assisted by Deniz Undav’s through ball, sealing a 7-1 victory for Germany.

Standout performers

  • Felix Nmecha opened the scoring and was instrumental in Germany’s early momentum.
  • Florian Wirtz provided the assist for the opening goal, showcasing his creative vision.
  • Livano Comenencia gave Curaçao hope with a well-taken equaliser.
  • Nico Schlotterbeck’s headed goal demonstrated aerial strength on set-pieces.
  • Kai Havertz proved decisive, converting a penalty and adding a second goal from open play.
  • Jamal Musiala combined with Joshua Kimmich, whose through ball unlocked the defence for the fourth German goal.
  • Nathaniel Brown contributed both an assist and a goal, highlighting his all-round impact.
  • Deniz Undav scored and assisted, playing a pivotal role in the latter stages of the match.

Match facts

  • Final score: Germany 7-1 Curaçao
  • Scorers:
    • 6' Felix Nmecha (assist Florian Wirtz)
    • 21' Livano Comenencia (Curaçao)
    • 38' Nico Schlotterbeck (assist Nathaniel Brown)
    • 45'+5' Kai Havertz (penalty)
    • 47' Jamal Musiala (assist Joshua Kimmich)
    • 68' Nathaniel Brown (assist Deniz Undav)
    • 78' Deniz Undav (assist Joshua Kimmich)
    • 88' Kai Havertz (assist Deniz Undav)
  • Bookings: none
  • Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas

What it means

The emphatic win gives Germany a strong start to its Group E campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026, while Curaçao will look to regroup as the group stage progresses. Both teams remain in the early phase of their tournament journeys.