Image: from World Cup 2026 X @WorldCupMedia_
By Open Chronicle with agencies
Germany made an emphatic start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a commanding 7,1 victory over Curaçao, delivering a performance that revived memories of some of the nation’s most dominant displays on football’s biggest stage.
At the TQL Stadium, Julian Nagelsmann’s side showcased their attacking quality and depth, overwhelming the Caribbean newcomers after a brief moment of resistance. The result places Germany at the top of Group E and provides a major boost as they seek to avoid a repeat of the disappointing group stage exits that marked their 2018 and 2022 World Cup campaigns.
The match also carried a unique historical contrast, with the tournament’s youngest head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, facing the oldest, veteran Dutch manager Dick Advocaat.
Germany wasted little time asserting control. Midfielder Felix Nmecha opened the scoring after just six minutes, giving the four-time world champions an early advantage and setting the tone for what would become a one-sided contest.
However, Curaçao produced a moment that will forever be remembered in the nation’s football history. In the 21st minute, Livano Comenencia found the back of the net to score the country’s first-ever FIFA World Cup goal. The historic strike sparked emotional celebrations among the players and supporters, briefly raising hopes of a fairy tale result.
Those hopes were quickly extinguished as Germany shifted through the gears. Nico Schlotterbeck restored the lead before halftime, and Kai Havertz added a second in stoppage time to give the Europeans a comfortable 3,1 advantage at the break.
The second half became a showcase of German attacking football. Jamal Musiala struck just two minutes after the restart, while Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav joined the scoresheet as Curaçao struggled to contain the relentless pressure. Havertz completed his brace late in the match, capping a seven-goal display that highlighted Germany’s determination to make a deep run in the tournament.
The victory gives Germany an early lead in Group E as they await the outcome of the other opening fixture between Ecuador and the Ivory Coast. With the expanded World Cup format and the qualification of the best third-placed teams, the risk of another early elimination appears significantly reduced, but Nagelsmann’s side will be encouraged by the authority of their opening performance.
For Curaçao, despite the heavy defeat, the tournament debut offered a landmark moment with the nation’s first World Cup goal and a chance to compete on the global stage against one of football’s traditional giants.
Germany, meanwhile, has sent a clear message to the rest of the competition: after the disappointments of recent tournaments, the Mannschaft appears determined to restore its place among the world’s elite.