Germany open World Cup campaign with record 7–1 demolition of Curaçao

Germany: Four-time world champions Germany made a statement start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, thrashing debutants Curaçao 7–1 in a dominant Group E encounter.

Germany struck early, taking the lead in the sixth minute through Felix Nmecha, whose curling finish was set up by a sharp touch from Florian Wirtz. The goal is being described as one of the fastest of the tournament so far.

Curaçao, the smallest nation in the competition by population and size, responded impressively in the 21st minute when Levano Comenisa fired a stunning long-range strike past veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to level the score.

The match remained balanced briefly before Germany regained control. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead with a header from a corner, followed by a Kai Havertz penalty in first-half stoppage time to make it 3–1.

In the second half, Germany continued their attacking dominance. Jamal Musiala scored within seconds of the restart, followed by goals from Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav.

Havertz added his second late in the match to complete the 7–1 rout, a result reminiscent of Germany’s famous 7–1 win over Brazil in 2014, as they launched their World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.