Kai Havertz scored twice as Germany opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion, thrashing tournament debutants Curaçao 7-1 to seize early control of Group E.
Julian Nagelsmann’s side needed just six minutes to break the deadlock in Houston, with Felix Nmecha combining with Florian Wirtz before firing a first-time effort into the far corner.
Curaçao briefly stunned the four-time world champions when Livano Comenencia capitalised on defensive uncertainty to level matters in the 21st minute, sparking jubilant celebrations among the Caribbean side’s supporters.
Germany quickly restored order. Nico Schlotterbeck headed home from a corner before Havertz converted a penalty deep into first-half stoppage time after Riechedly Bazoer fouled Nmecha.
Jamal Musiala added a fourth shortly after the break from Joshua Kimmich’s incisive pass, while Nathaniel Brown marked his World Cup debut with a goal in the 68th minute. Substitute Deniz Undav then made it six before Havertz completed his brace two minutes from time.
The result also saw goalkeeper Manuel Neuer set a new record. At 40 years and 79 days, the World Cup winner became Germany’s oldest player to appear at a major tournament, surpassing the mark set by Lothar Matthäus at Euro 2000.
“It took us a few minutes to get back into the game after they equalised. Curaçao can play football too, as we saw, and I’m curious to see how they’ll fare in the group going forward. I’m very satisfied with us scoring seven goals and our performance for the most part. A winning start is always important and we’re glad we managed it,” said Nagelsmann.
Germany now top Group E, while Curaçao face Ecuador in their next match on June 20.
